In light of Hamas’ deliberate attempts to amplify the famine narrative in the Gaza Strip, an in-depth review conducted by the defense establishment reveals the gaps and evidence showing that Hamas orchestrated a timed campaign as part of a broader effort to defame the State of Israel and achieve political gains.

The review found a significant gap between the number of deaths from malnutrition reported by Hamas’ Ministry of Health and the cases documented and published with full identification in the media and on social networks.

From the start of July, coinciding with ongoing negotiations, there was a marked increase in the number of people allegedly dying from malnutrition as reported by Hamas’ Ministry of Health. Until June 2025, 66 such deaths had been reported throughout the war, while in July alone more than 133 deaths from malnutrition were reported.

Despite this unusually high number of alleged deaths in July, Hamas’ Ministry of Health did not publish the names of the deceased, as it had in the past. 

For example, on July 19 Hamas reported 18 malnutrition deaths, and on July 22 another 15, yet a thorough analysis of various networks turned up only a handful of actual cases. The discrepancies between the numerical reports and the publication of specific cases cast doubt on the credibility of the claims.

A closer examination of the cases that were published found that most of the deceased suffered from preexisting medical conditions that led to a deterioration in their health unrelated to nutrition. Some had even received medical treatment in Israel before the war.

This indicates that the documented cases do not reflect the situation of the general population in the Strip, but rather selectively present extreme cases with underlying medical conditions.

As well, in recent weeks photos circulated of four-year-old Abdullah al-Hani Muhammad Abu Zarqa, with claims that his condition was due to hunger in the Strip. COGAT’s review found that he suffers from a genetic disease causing vitamin and mineral deficiency, along with osteoporosis and bone thinning — a hereditary condition affecting other members of his family as well.

It was further found that four months before the war began, the child traveled with his mother, with Israeli approval, for treatment at al-Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem.

In another case, photos were circulated of Karam Khaled Mustafa al-Jamal, age 27, who was reported to have died from malnutrition. The defense establishment’s review found that Karam had suffered since childhood from muscular dystrophy and partial paralysis, which caused swallowing difficulties. This was a long-standing medical condition unrelated to the general nutritional situation in the Strip.

The review, conducted with professional medical experts, determined that there are no indications of a widespread malnutrition phenomenon among the population in Gaza.

The Hamas terrorist organization cynically exploits tragic images and misuses them for a false perception campaign and as a timed pressure tool aimed at creating negative public opinion against the State of Israel.

The IDF, through COGAT, will continue working to improve the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip, in cooperation with the international community, while rejecting claims of famine in the Strip.

Attached are documents regarding Abdullah’s medical history and his approved request to travel for treatment four months before the war, as well as images of Abdullah and Karam that were circulated on social media.

PHOTO:  Use according to Section 27 A