Overview

• Netanyahu branded the front-page image of an emaciated Gazan child a “clear defamation” and vowed to pursue legal action against the newspaper.
• He told Fox News he is exploring whether a country has the standing to sue The New York Times for defamation.
• On July 29 the Times issued a correction clarifying that the child’s appearance was influenced by a preexisting medical condition.
• The newspaper’s communications desk defended its journalists, rejected the defamation claims and stood by the accuracy of its frontline reporting.
• The clash highlights growing friction over media ethics and humanitarian coverage as Gaza endures a prolonged conflict with UN warnings of famine-level malnutrition.