The recent post by Bari Weiss’s Free Press on The Intercept has sparked a heated debate on the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The post, titled “Bari Weiss’s Free Press Wants You to Know Some Kids Being Starved by Israel Were Already Sick,” has been met with strong reactions from both sides of the conflict. While some have praised the post for shedding light on the issue of preexisting conditions in starving children, others have criticized it for its insensitive and misleading comparison to Anne Frank’s death.
The post in question was an “investigation” into the preexisting conditions in starving kids in Gaza. It claimed that some of the children who have died due to starvation were already sick, and therefore, Israel cannot be solely blamed for their deaths. The post went on to draw a parallel between this argument and the belief that typhus killed Anne Frank, implying that the media is once again trying to twist the truth to fit their narrative.
This comparison has caused outrage among many, as it trivializes the suffering of both Anne Frank and the children in Gaza. Anne Frank was a victim of the Holocaust, a systematic genocide that claimed the lives of six million Jews. To compare her death to that of children in Gaza is not only insensitive but also completely inaccurate. Anne Frank did not die because of a preexisting condition; she died because of the atrocities committed by the Nazis.
Moreover, the post fails to acknowledge the root cause of the crisis in Gaza – the Israeli blockade. For over a decade, Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza, restricting the movement of people and goods in and out of the territory. This has severely impacted the economy and has led to a humanitarian crisis, with almost 70% of the population relying on aid to survive. The lack of access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare has resulted in the deaths of innocent children.
The post also conveniently ignores the fact that Israel is the occupying power in Gaza and has a responsibility to provide for the basic needs of the people living under its control. The international community has repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and has called for an end to the blockade. However, Israel has continued to ignore these calls, leading to further suffering and loss of life.
It is also important to note that the post fails to mention the role of the Palestinian Authority in the crisis. The Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, has been withholding funds from Gaza, exacerbating the already dire situation. This is not to absolve Israel of its responsibility, but to highlight the complex nature of the conflict and the need for all parties to take accountability.
The post by Bari Weiss’s Free Press is not only misleading but also dangerous. By trying to shift the blame onto preexisting conditions, it downplays the severity of the crisis in Gaza and undermines the urgent need for a resolution. It also perpetuates the false narrative that Israel is not responsible for the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Instead of engaging in such divisive and harmful rhetoric, we should be focusing on finding a solution to the crisis in Gaza. This can only be achieved through open and honest discussions, acknowledging the complexities of the conflict, and holding all parties accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the post by Bari Weiss’s Free Press on The Intercept is not a genuine attempt at investigating the preexisting conditions in starving children in Gaza. It is a thinly veiled attempt to shift the blame and distract from the real issue at hand – the Israeli blockade and occupation of Gaza. We must not fall for such misleading and divisive tactics and instead focus on finding a just and lasting solution for the people of Gaza.
