UPDATE: Controversy erupts as climate activist Greta Thunberg is criticized for using an image of starved Israeli hostage Evyatar David in an Instagram post intended to highlight the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. The post, shared recently, sparked outrage and has since been edited to remove the image of David, who has been held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 terror attacks.
Thunberg’s post claimed, “The suffering of Palestinian prisoners is not a matter of opinion — it is a fact of systemic cruelty and dehumanization.” It featured images that included a still frame of David from a Hamas propaganda video where he appeared visibly frail and described his dire conditions. Eyewitness accounts reveal David was forced to dig his own grave while in captivity, a shocking detail that has drawn significant attention.
The backlash intensified as Yeela David, Evyatar’s sister, condemned Thunberg’s actions. She urged the activist to “do research before posting things you don’t understand,” criticizing her for failing to acknowledge the complexities of the situation. “Every minute you are not deleting the post, you are becoming a bigger joke. Embarrassing,” she added.
The original post formed part of a collaborative effort with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which also included other activists. While the initial slide referencing David has been removed, the comment section remains flooded with reminders of its presence, with many users expressing outrage over the perceived exploitation of his image.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded sharply to Thunberg’s post. “Ignorance blinded by hate is trending,” they stated, juxtaposing a screenshot of the deleted slide with a close-up of David’s image. They denounced the use of his suffering to further a narrative that overlooks the plight of Israeli hostages.
Thunberg, known for her environmental activism, has increasingly vocalized criticism of Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. She has participated in two Gaza-bound aid flotillas, both intercepted by Israeli forces, further fueling tensions.
This incident highlights the growing divide over narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with activists on both sides leveraging social media to amplify their causes. The focus on individual stories, like that of Evyatar David, underscores the human impact of the ongoing violence.
As the situation continues to develop, observers are left wondering how this incident will affect Thunberg’s activism and public perception. The global community watches closely, with calls for compassion and understanding amid the turmoil.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
