Israel
Second child suffering from pre-existing condition used as evidence of Gaza starvation
Israeli authorities said that they had helped evacuate the boy to an Italian hospital, where he is now recovering
July 29, 2025 09:47
Israeli authorities said that they had helped evacuate the boy to an Italian hospital, where he is now recovering
July 29, 2025 09:47A second child who has been pictured by the global media as evidence of starvation in Gaza has been revealed to be suffering from an unrelated medical condition – and was even evacuated by Israel to receive treatment.
Yesterday, it emerged that the skeletal appearance of Mohammed Al-Matouq, whose photograph was published by a number of international outlets, was at least partially due to a muscular disorder that left him requiring nutritional supplements and regular physiotherapy.
Now, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) has highlighted the case of five-year-old Osama al-Rakab.
Images of the emaciated young boy appeared widely in the Italian press and were used by Al Jazeera and the Canadian national broadcaster CBC this week.
They were also published by the UN as evidence of its claim that Israel was starving the civilian population of Gaza.
A UN post on the issue read: “Months of inadequate food and nourishment have left Osama, five, severely malnourished. Even as he receives initial treatment, his full recovery depends on sufficient nutrition and follow-up care. Aid at scale must be allowed into Gaza for children's health and survival."
However, Israel has now revealed that Osama suffers from a rare genetic condition, which contributed to his ill health.
According to COGAT, the boy’s picture was "used to falsely depict Israel as responsible for his condition, claiming Israel is starving children.”
But, the department added, these reports did not mention that he suffers from "a serious genetic illness unrelated to the war".
They also reportedly failed to include the fact that he is currently receiving treatment in an Italian hospital after Israel "actively coordinated [his] exit from Gaza with his mother and brother through the Ramon airport".
Pictures subsequently shared by COGAT showed Osama in his hospital gown, having been restored to an apparently healthier weight.
A COGAT spokesperson added: "Tragic images rightfully stir strong emotions, but when they’re misused to fuel hatred and lies, they do more harm than good.
"Don’t let compassion be exploited for propaganda."
To get more Israel news, click here to sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.