Israeli authorities have exposed a coordinated misrepresentation involving five-year-old Osama al-Raqab, whose emaciated appearance in photographs sparked global media coverage and humanitarian concerns. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories revealed Monday that al-Raqab's condition results from genetic diseases rather than war-related malnutrition, undermining narratives that blamed Israeli actions for his severe health problems.
Medical records confirm that al-Raqab suffers from serious genetic conditions, including cerebral palsy and blood oxygen deficiency, which are entirely unrelated to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. On June 12, 2025, Israeli authorities coordinated his medical evacuation along with his mother and brother through Ramon Airport, facilitating his transfer to Italy for specialized treatment.
The case gained international attention last April when social media posts claimed al-Raqab weighed merely 9 kilograms (20 pounds) due to alleged deliberate starvation policies by Israel. His mother's emotional appeal resonated worldwide, stating, "There's no milk, no eggs, no meat – my child is dying slowly," while requesting international intervention to secure medical treatment abroad. Photographs from that period depicted his severely malnourished appearance, with visible bone structure and exhausted expression that generated widespread sympathy.
A photo of 5-year-old Osama al-Rakab has gone viral, used to falsely depict Israel as responsible for his condition, claiming Israel is starving children.#TheFacts: Osama suffers from a serious genetic illness unrelated to the war. On June 12, we actively coordinated Osama's… pic.twitter.com/7IY826P0JZ
— COGAT (@cogatonline) July 28, 2025
This revelation coincides with emerging evidence about humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza, including documentation of Turkish assistance entering through Israeli facilities. Israel Hayom obtained photographs and witness accounts from Ashdod port showing Turkish goods being unloaded and transferred to Gaza-bound trucks. Sources at the location confirmed dozens of tons of supplies, with packaging clearly marked in Turkish identifying sunflower oil products from established Turkish manufacturers.
