Bob Geldof accuses Israeli authorities of spreading misinformation over Gaza famine

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Musician and activist Sir Bob Geldof has accused Israeli officials of “lying” about the scale and cause of starvation in Gaza, following recent remarks made by Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer. During an interview on Sky News, Mr Mencer claimed that “there is no famine caused by Israel” and instead pointed to Hamas as being responsible for “starving its own people.” Geldof strongly rejected this version of events, describing it as dishonest and deeply misleading.

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Speaking on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Geldof criticised the Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), claiming they were “dangling food in front of starving, panicked, exhausted mothers” and subsequently opening fire on them. He dismissed the suggestion that there was any moral equivalence between Hamas and Israel, stating that he was “not interested in what either of these sides are saying” and called on ordinary Israelis to take action in protest.

The conflict over aid distribution has drawn international concern. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned that rates of malnutrition among children under five and pregnant women in Gaza have reached critical levels, with some areas reporting a tripling in severe cases in recent weeks. The organisation described the situation on the ground as “unconscionable” and accused Israel of deliberately using starvation as a weapon. The Hamas-run health ministry has reported 127 deaths related to malnutrition since the beginning of the war, including 85 children.

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In response, Israeli officials have continued to deny responsibility. The IDF and government representatives maintain that they are not restricting humanitarian aid and blame delays on international organisations’ failure to collect supplies from crossings. The IDF has stated that thorough reviews are being conducted into reported civilian harm during aid distributions and that measures have been taken to improve field operations. Nevertheless, Geldof and humanitarian organisations remain highly critical of Israel’s handling of the crisis.