Israeli PM Netanyahu's office deletes 'children of darkness' post after social media outcry

Amid the ongoing war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office deleted a post which stated that Israel's conflict with Hamas is a “struggle between the children of light and the children of darkness, between humanity and the law of the jungle.” The post was deleted on Tuesday, after a hospital blast in Gaza killed at least 500 Palestinians.

“This is a struggle between the children of light and the children of darkness, between humanity and the law of the jungle,” Netanyahu’s office wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. The deleted post has now attracted severe criticisms online with many claiming that it was not fair for the Netanyahu administration to drag children into the whole conflict. Both Israeli and Palestinian children have become the main targets in the horrific Israel-Hamas war that has been raging on for 12 days straight. Earlier this week, it was reported that the militant organisation has killed around 40 babies.

Netanyahu faces backlash 

While the tweet was deleted shortly after it was posted, it has managed to garner severe criticism online. While some called the tweet insane, others called it “outrageous”. “When Netanyahu calls Palestinians "children of darkness” & his Security Minister says that ‘no aid, only 100s of tons of explosives”: should be delivered to Gaza, moments before a Christian hospital is blown up killing 100s of people seeking sanctuary, you might think ‘war crime,” an X user said, sharing the image of the deleted tweet. “Israel’s Prime Minister just posted, then DELETED this insane tweet calling Palestinians “children of darkness” living by the “law of the jungle,” another user asserted.

Others came to Israel’s defence insisting that the office was not attacking Palestinian children. “Oh, and there’s nothing in Netanyahu’s message that called Palestinians ‘children of darkness’. He has always said this is a war on Hamas, they are the children of darkness (unless you disagree) - you misrepresent the context. Disappointing of you really,” another user said. “Like when Islamic regimes which support and facilitate Hamas state along the same of Jews and Christians? But you say nothing. Or when Islamic leaders call for the obliteration of Jews and Israel, you know those celebrating the Massacre? Double standards again,” one more X user reacted. 

Hamas and Israel trade blame as rage spreads in region

While Hamas blamed the Israeli forces for what they called a “horrific massacre”, IDF said that Islamic Jihadists were involved in the attack. Israeli military blamed Islamic Jihad, a smaller, more radical Palestinian militant group that often works with Hamas. The military said Islamic Jihad militants had fired a barrage of rockets near the hospital and the “intelligence from multiple sources” indicated the group was responsible. In a briefing with reporters, the chief army spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said radar detected outgoing rocket fire and intercepted communications between militant groups indicated that Islamic Jihad fired the rockets.