Netanyahu Threatens NYT Over Gaza Starvation Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to sue The New York Times for defamation over its reporting on starvation in Gaza, particularly criticizing a front-page photo of a malnourished child with pre-existing health conditions. Netanyahu asserted that the Times’ correction about the child's medical background was inadequate and accused the coverage of fueling antisemitism and vilifying Israel. The New York Times defended its reporting, citing multiple sources documenting malnutrition and starvation among children in Gaza, and stated that its updates gave readers more context. The paper condemned Netanyahu's legal threat as an intimidation tactic against independent media and reaffirmed its commitment to reporting from Gaza. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over media coverage of the Gaza conflict and press freedom. Gaza health authorities report that nearly 200 people, including 96 children, have died of hunger since the recent escalation.