Part 6/11:
As the media and political figures framed the image as conclusive proof of Israeli culpability, questions about authenticity remained unaddressed or dismissed. Later, the New York Times issued a clarification, indicating the child had pre-existing health conditions that likely explained his appearance—a stark contrast to the original narrative.
This pattern echoes historical propaganda campaigns, where a distorted or fabricated image is used to galvanize outrage. The danger is that such narratives obscure the complex realities on the ground, unfairly demonize nations, and contribute to dangerous polarization.