A viral photo of a malnourished child in Gaza has sparked intense debate and criticism of media coverage regarding the humanitarian situation in the region. The image, which shows a 20-month-old boy named Muhammad, has been used by various outlets to claim that Israel is starving the population of Gaza. However, an investigation reveals that Muhammad suffers from serious medical conditions, not starvation.
The photo gained traction after it was shared on social media with a caption suggesting it depicted a child suffering from hunger. Major news organizations, including Sky News, CNN, The Guardian, and The New York Times, quickly picked up the story, reinforcing the narrative of widespread famine in Gaza. Yet, many reports failed to mention that Muhammad has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and other health issues that contribute to his appearance.
David Collier, an investigative journalist, pointed out that Muhammad’s three-year-old brother, Joud, appears healthy in other images that have been overlooked or cropped out in media reports. Muhammad’s mother has been open about her son’s health struggles, seeking help for his condition rather than using his image for propaganda.
In May 2025, a medical report confirmed Muhammad’s diagnosis, which includes a muscle disorder. His mother has shared that he receives physiotherapy to assist with his condition. Despite this, the media has largely ignored these details, focusing instead on the emotional impact of the image.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, criticized the media for perpetuating what he called a “fake narrative,” suggesting that the misrepresentation of Muhammad’s condition is itself a tragedy. He emphasized that while the child’s situation is heartbreaking, the narrative being pushed by some media outlets is misleading.
Collier also raised concerns about the control Hamas has over aid distribution in Gaza. He argued that the group benefits from portraying the humanitarian situation as dire, which allows them to maintain power. Reports indicate that while Israel has sent significant amounts of aid into Gaza, much of it has been misappropriated by Hamas, which has reportedly profited from stolen food aid.
This situation highlights the complexities of reporting in conflict zones, where images and stories can be manipulated to serve different agendas. As the debate continues, it is clear that accurate representation of the facts is crucial for understanding the realities faced by those living in Gaza.
