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Israeli author Harari advises against consuming horrible images, videos of Hamas attacks. Here's why
The graphic footage from the towns and kibbutzes that were overrun by Hamas has caused profound shock in Israel and across the world.
Renowned Israeli author Yuval Noah Harari has called for an end to the "competition of suffering" in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. In a recent interview with NDTV, Harari, the bestselling author of "Sapiens," emphasized that this rivalry of pain benefits no one but Hamas, criticizing the group's indifference to human suffering on both sides and its embrace of religious fanaticism.
Highlighting the destructive impact of religious fanaticism, Harari drew parallels between Hamas and terrorist groups like ISIS. "This kind of religious fanaticism that we see with ISIS and now with Hamas is terrible for humanity," he stressed.
The Islamist militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, killing hundreds of Israeli civilians, including women and children. The militants also took several Israeli hostages by storming the other side of border villages near the Gaza Strip.
Military forensic teams in Israel have examined bodies of victims of Hamas attacks on communities around the Gaza Strip and found multiple signs of torture, rape and other atrocities, officers said on Saturday.
"We've seen dismembered bodies with their arms and feet chopped off, people that were beheaded, a child that was beheaded," a reserve warrant officer identified only by her first name of Avigayil told reporters.
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Israel has dropped thousands of munitions on targets in Gaza since the attacks, leaving more than 2,300 dead in the enclave, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry.
The social media platforms are flooded with gut-churning photos and videos of the attacks and their aftermath, with claims of war crimes being made by both sides.
Harari cautioned against consuming distressing images and videos that circulate online, as it only fuels hatred and fear, playing into the hands of terrorists. Instead, he urged people to take practical steps like donating and joining peace initiatives to make a positive impact.
"All the horrible images that are circulating online, I would recommend not to watch such horror. By watching, you are doing what the terrorist wants. You are just feeding your mind with terrible hatred and fear. So, instead do something practical - by donating, by joining some peace initiatives," he said.
