French newspaper faces backlash for cartoon mocking Gaza hunger during Ramadan

The caricature portrays the challenging circumstances faced by Palestinians in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan

A recent cartoon published in the French daily Liberation newspaper has ignited criticism on social media.

The caricature portrays the challenging circumstances faced by Palestinians in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan.

Against the backdrop of a devastated city, the cartoon features a hand emerging from rubble and a breathless man chasing mice and bugs through the streets. Sitting with an emaciated boy, a woman sternly informs the man, “Not before the sunset.”

The headline boldly declares, “Ramadan in Gaza – The start of a fasting month.” 

Social media outcry as Israel’s attacks continue during Ramadan

Liberation’s post on X received a barrage of angry comments, with many users expressing their outrage at what they perceived as a mockery of the “genocide” allegedly committed by Israeli forces in the besieged enclave.

Critics argue the cartoon diminishes the harsh reality faced by Gazans, deprived of basic necessities and humanitarian aid, pushing them to the brink of starvation. 

Social media users questioned the cartoon’s selective focus and wondered why a similar artistic commentary hadn’t been created during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. 

The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 cross-border attack by Hamas, resulting in nearly 1,200 casualties.

The conflict has forced 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement, exacerbated by a blockade restricting access to essential resources.

The U.N. reported that 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), prompting an interim ruling in January to cease genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

Source: Newsroom