Last week, The New York Times issued an editor’s note that included distressing photographs of a child in Gaza who is reportedly suffering from starvation.
The note informs readers about Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawak, a boy from Gaza “diagnosed with severe malnutrition,” who is also dealing with “pre-existing health conditions.”
“We recently discussed the plight of Gaza’s most vulnerable citizens. Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawak is just 18 months old and is facing severe malnutrition,” stated a spokesperson from the outlet.
A striking image of young Al Mutawak, who appears gaunt and is seen clasping his mother, became widely shared last week, with many using his likeness in posters highlighting the humanitarian crisis linked to the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
After The New York Times published images of Al Mutawak, a pro-Israel group pointed out that his older brother, Jude, appeared to be in significantly better condition when he was seen in the background, as reported on July 27th.
Al Mutawak’s mother noted that he has a “muscle disorder,” requiring special nutrition and physical therapy. She remarked in a CNN segment that her son is “happy” and can “stay upright.”
While the Times’ note did not go into detail about his existing health issues, a pro-Israel journalist reported that the young boy has conditions including cerebral palsy and a hereditary disorder, based on a medical report from May 2025.
