“We’re living in hunger. The prices are absurd,” says Sami Obeid, a Gaza resident, in an interview with Israel’s N12. Markets are empty, and prices are skyrocketing. A 25-kilo sack of flour costs up to 3,000 shekels, a liter of oil 100 shekels, a single cigarette 70 shekels. “I hate Hamas,” he says openly. “They oppress us, they let no one help.” The West is outraged—at Israel. Not at Hamas, which blocks aid deliveries, oppresses its own people, and threatens international aid workers. No, the outrage is directed at the only actor that, despite rocket fire, sends trucks with food, medicine, and baby formula into hostile territory day after day.

How does this grotesque distortion arise? In the media’s mind this is a classic situation of good versus evil, Hollywood style. Western media operate on a principle: clear victims, clear villains. Complexity disrupts the headline. And so, Israel, the stronger side with tanks, drones, and an army, is reflexively cast as “Goliath,” while Gaza, even when controlled by an Islamist terror organization, passes as “David.”

Israel Today Membership

Become a Member

• Read all member content

  Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.

• Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel

  Connect with Israel, right from your home.

• Lift up the voice of truth and hope

  Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.

Become a Member

Already a member? Login here.