Who is Osama al-Rakab? Behind Israel’s desperate bid to ‘debunk viral claim’ of starved 5-year-old Palestinian child

After the painful image of a five-year-old Palestinian child shook the conscience of the world, Israel has launched an attempt to “debunk the viral claims” of starvation in Gaza, stating that the child had a genetic disorder and is being treated in Italy.

Osama al-Rakab’s photo has circulated widely online as an alleged victim of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The 5-year-old’s emaciated picture first gained traction in May when his mother Mona Al-Raqab narrated his plight to the world. Osama, once a healthy pre-schooler, was already severely malnourished and suffering from malabsorption, weighing just 10 kg, roughly five kg less than what doctors say his current weight should be.

"The last time he ate meat was the first day of Ramadan [Feb. 28]," Mona told CBC News on April 25 from Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.

Last month, the UN published Osama’s image to highlight how months of inadequate food and nourishment in Gaza have left him 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,” the UN Post read.

After the image symbolising Gaza’s starvation went viral, Israel has now launched a campaign to “debunk the claim” that Osama was the victim of starvation in Gaza.

A post by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) on X claims that Osama has a “genetic disorder” which is responsible for his condition. COGAT is the unit in the Israeli Ministry of Defence tasked with monitoring the civilian policy in the West Bank and facilitating logistical coordination between Israel and Gaza.

"The Facts: Osama suffers from a serious genetic illness unrelated to the war," COGAT tweeted. "On June 12, we actively coordinated Osama's exit from Gaza with his mother and brother through the Ramon airport." "He is now receiving treatment in Italy," the post added.

“Tragic images rightfully stir strong emotions, but when they’re misused to fuel hatred and lies, they do more harm than good,” COGAT wrote in a statement. Don’t let compassion be exploited for propaganda. Check the facts before parroting blame.”

Israel’s attempt at justifying its stance comes as US President Donald Trump, after reluctance to criticise Israeli military policy, acknowledged that Gaza is facing a starvation crisis. Trump said there was “real starvation” in the enclave and promised to set up new food distribution centres with British assistance.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed no one in Gaza is starving: “There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza. We enable humanitarian aid throughout the duration of the war to enter Gaza – otherwise, there would be no Gazans.”

According to the UN’s WHO, there have been 63 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza this month, including 24 children under the age of 5. However, Gaza’s Health Ministry puts the number even higher, reporting 82 deaths this month of malnutrition-related causes: 24 children and 58 adults.

 

 

Middle East