Modern Blood Libel: Netanyahu on IPC’s ‘Famine in Gaza’ Report
In a recent statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’s (IPC) report declaring famine in parts of Gaza, stating that the report is a “modern blood libel, spreading like wildfire through prejudice.” He further added that the IPC report is an “outright lie” and that Israel does not have a policy of starvation, but rather a policy of preventing starvation.
The IPC report, which was released on November 16, 2022, stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with over 80% of the population reliant on international aid just to survive. The report highlighted the severe food insecurity in the region, with many people facing starvation due to the ongoing blockade and economic crisis.
However, Netanyahu’s response to the report has been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing him of downplaying the severity of the situation and attempting to shift the blame away from Israel’s own policies. The UN and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the IPC report is just the latest in a series of warnings.
So, what is a blood libel, and why is Netanyahu’s statement so controversial? A blood libel is a false and malicious accusation that a person or group is responsible for the death or harm of another, often with the intention of stirring up hatred and violence. In the context of the IPC report, Netanyahu’s statement is accusing the authors of the report of spreading lies and false information in order to harm Israel and its reputation.
However, the IPC report is not a malicious or false accusation. It is a scientific assessment based on data and information provided by the UN and humanitarian organizations. The report is not an attack on Israel or its policies, but rather an attempt to highlight the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for international action to address it.
Netanyahu’s statement is not only inaccurate, but it is also a classic example of the blood libel itself. By accusing the authors of the report of spreading lies and false information, he is attempting to shift the blame away from Israel’s own policies and actions, and towards the UN and humanitarian organizations. This is a classic tactic used by those who seek to avoid accountability and responsibility for their actions.
Furthermore, Netanyahu’s statement is a clear attempt to deflect attention away from the root causes of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The blockade and economic crisis in Gaza are the result of Israel’s policies and actions, and Netanyahu’s statement is an attempt to blame the UN and humanitarian organizations for the suffering of the people of Gaza.
In conclusion, Netanyahu’s statement about the IPC report is a classic example of the modern blood libel. By accusing the authors of the report of spreading lies and false information, he is attempting to shift the blame away from Israel’s own policies and actions, and towards the UN and humanitarian organizations. This is a clear attempt to deflect attention away from the root causes of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to avoid accountability and responsibility for Israel’s actions.
It is essential to stand with the people of Gaza and to support the efforts of the UN and humanitarian organizations to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. We must not allow false and malicious accusations to go unchecked, and we must hold those responsible for the suffering of the people of Gaza accountable for their actions.
