An in depth investigation by the IDF, released Tuesday, has revealed evidence that Hamas has orchestrated a coordinated campaign aimed at discrediting Israel and achieving political gains, by amplifying claims of famine in the Gaza Strip.
The probe found significant discrepancies between the number of deaths from malnutrition reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, and the cases documented with full identities in media and on social networks.
Beginning in July, during the ceasefire and hostage deal negotiations, the number of alleged malnutrition deaths reported by the Hamas Health Ministry rose sharply. By the end of June 2025, 66 Gaza residents had been reported dead from malnutrition since the start of the war, while in July alone Hamas claimed more than 133 deaths from the same cause.
Despite the high July figures, Hamas did not release the victims' names as it had in the past. For example, on July 19 it reported 18 malnutrition deaths and on July 22 another 15, yet social media monitoring found only a handful of documented cases. The gap between the statistical reports and named cases casts doubt on their credibility.
Severe pre-existing conditions
A closer examination of the published cases showed that most victims had serious pre-existing medical conditions that worsened independently of nutrition levels. Some had even received treatment in Israel before the war. Officials concluded that these cases do not reflect the overall health situation in Gaza, but instead selectively highlight extreme cases involving chronic illness.
One widely circulated case was that of Abdullah al-Hani Muhammad Abu Zarka, 4, whose photos were shared as evidence of famine. The IDF's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories found he suffers from a genetic condition causing severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies, bone loss and osteoporosis, a hereditary illness also affecting other family members. Four months before the war, Israel approved his transfer, with his mother, for treatment at al-Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem.
In another case, images of Karam Khaled Mustafa al-Jamal, 27, were shared alongside claims he died from malnutrition. The investigation revealed he had suffered since childhood from muscular dystrophy and partial paralysis, which impaired his ability to swallow, a long term medical condition unrelated to Gaza's overall nutrition levels.
Medical experts consulted by the security establishment concluded there were no signs of widespread malnutrition in Gaza's population.
According to the findings, Hamas cynically exploited tragic images for a fabricated awareness campaign, timed to apply political pressure and foster negative public opinion against Israel. The IDF, through its Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, said it will continue working with the international community to improve humanitarian aid to Gaza, while rejecting claims of famine in the Strip.
