The New York Times published a clarification on Tuesday regarding an article that ran last Thursday under the headline "Young, old and sick starving to death" about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which featured an image of a thin 18-month-old child in his mother's arms. The clarification stated that after publication, the newspaper learned from the child's doctor that he suffers from underlying medical conditions.
The photograph in question gained widespread distribution in newspapers around the world and became a symbol of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The child's image appeared on CNN, The Guardian, BBC, and even in the typically pro-Israel British tabloid, Daily Express.
Last week, independent journalist David Collier published evidence that al-Mutawak suffered from birth defects that may be related to his condition.
Exclusive... Can everyone please stop arguing about the sick child. There is no argument. Mohammed was born with serious underlying health issues.
This message is from his mother. She is asked if he was born with this. She says he was.
Our media lied and exploited this child. pic.twitter.com/gEGLprSOx3
— David Collier (@mishtal) July 29, 2025
The appended Editors' Note read, "Children in Gaza are malnourished and starving, as New York Times reporters and others have documented. We recently ran a story about Gaza's most vulnerable civilians, including Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawaq, who is about 18 months old and suffers from severe malnutrition. We have since learned new information, including from the hospital that treated him and his medical records, and have updated our story to add context about his pre-existing health problems. This additional detail gives readers a greater understanding of his situation. Our reporters and photographers continue to report from Gaza, bravely, sensitively, and at personal risk, so that readers can see firsthand the consequences of the war."
This is simply unbelievable.
After generating a tsunami of hate towards Israel with that terrifying picture, the NYT now quietly admits that the boy has preexisting conditions.
NYT, you knew that Hamas uses babies with preexisting illnesses.
We've been saying this for months… https://t.co/SOwZ0LMtyS— Naftali Bennett נפתלי בנט (@naftalibennett) July 29, 2025
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett responded to the clarification, stating, "This is simply unbelievable. After generating a tsunami of hate towards Israel with that terrifying picture, the NYT now quietly admits that the boy has preexisting conditions. NYT, you knew that Hamas uses babies with preexisting illnesses. We've been saying this for months now. You knew exactly what this picture would cause. This is a blood libel in 2025. Have you no shame?"
Fact: There is no famine in Gaza. I was honored to break down the truth to American supporters of @Mdais. At every turn, we must continue to expose the lies thrown at Israel and never back down from defending the most moral army in the world. pic.twitter.com/vzfQwARSVa
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) July 24, 2025
Officials from the Israeli Consulate in New York claimed the clarification was published following their intervention. Ambassador Gilad Erdan added, "It is unfortunate that the international media falls time and again for the abhorrent lies and propaganda of Hamas."
