Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, fiercely rejected claims of starvation in Gaza, accusing Hamas of staging photos, stealing aid, and waging a war of propaganda.
“Hamas Lies, Israel Delivers”: Israeli Consul in NY Dismantles Gaza Starvation Narrative in Explosive Interview
In a fiery on-air confrontation, Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, denounced claims of widespread starvation in Gaza as “Hamas-fueled propaganda”, pushing back hard against both media narratives and high-level political remarks—including those from President Donald Trump.
“There is no starvation in Gaza. I insist on it,” Akunis told NewsNation’s Connell McShane. “I’m sick and tired of Hamas lies.”
Holding up a photograph of a Gaza resident being treated in Italy for cystic fibrosis, Akunis revealed that the same image was being falsely used by pro-Hamas outlets to claim the child was starving in Gaza.
“This is not a starvation case—this is a genetic disease. We coordinated his evacuation for treatment. Hamas hijacked the photo and spun it into a lie.”
🛑 “Terrorists Burned People Alive—Now They Talk About Starvation?”
Akunis reminded viewers of Hamas’s October 7 massacre, stating:
“This is the same group that murdered civilians, burned them alive, raped women—and now they want to claim humanitarian high ground?”
“Since November 2023, Israel has delivered massive quantities of humanitarian aid. It’s Hamas who’s hijacking, stockpiling, and reselling it, not us.”
📺 Confronting Trump’s Remarks and Viral Imagery
When McShane cited President Trump’s televised comment that Gazan children “look hungry,” Akunis didn’t flinch:
“They wouldn’t be hungry if Hamas didn’t steal the food. These aren’t food shortages—they’re distribution crimes.”
Asked about distressing images of allegedly malnourished children, Akunis fired back:
“Where’s the proof these photos are from Gaza? Who says that—Hamas? They’ve lied before and they’re doing it again.”
📢 Call for Journalistic Transparency
In a surprise moment, Akunis welcomed the idea of allowing independent journalists into Gaza to verify the situation firsthand, referencing calls from veteran journalist Geraldo Rivera who criticized Israeli media restrictions.
“That’s a good idea. Maybe we’ll start doing it. I’m not afraid of the truth, and I will put it on the table.”
He reiterated that while aid is flowing in, it is Hamas and UN failures—not Israeli policy—that are sabotaging aid delivery.
🛑 Bottom Line:
- No starvation, according to Israel’s official representative
- Images and reports are being manipulated by Hamas, Akunis claims
- Israel began aid delivery in November 2023, but Hamas steals and controls distribution
- Independent press access may soon be considered
- Akunis: “Enough is enough. We won’t be scapegoats for Hamas crimes.”
