Podcast Summary: "What Many Israelis Don’t Want to See" The Daily | The New York Times | Released August 1, 2025

Introduction

In this poignant episode of The Daily, Rachel Abrams delves into the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, focusing on the severe malnutrition affecting children and the complex emotional and societal dynamics within Israel regarding the suffering in Gaza. Hosted by Abrams, along with Rachel Abrams and Natalie Kitroeff, the episode features an in-depth interview with Emmanuel Elbas Phelps, a French-Israeli independent journalist, shedding light on perspectives rarely voiced within Israeli society and mainstream media.

Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis: Malnutrition and Suffering

Rachel Abrams opens the episode by highlighting the dire situation in Gaza, citing UNICEF's alarming report that over 320,000 children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition. She introduces Ratine, a three-month-old child, illustrating the heartbreaking reality on the ground. Emmanuel Elbas Phelps adds personal gravity to the narrative:

"She's now weighs less than when she was born." [00:44]

As images of starving Palestinian children emerge, international outrage intensifies, including condemnation from Israel's traditional allies. Abrams notes that 28 nations, including the UK, France, and Japan, have issued statements denouncing Israel's approach to aid distribution in Gaza.

International Outrage vs. Israel's Stance

Despite the growing international criticism, the Israeli government maintains that there are no restrictions on aid deliveries and denies the existence of starvation within Gaza. This dichotomy sets the stage for exploring the internal Israeli response, which is often muted or dismissive of the suffering in Gaza.

Interview with Emmanuel Elbas Phelps

Emmanuel Elbas Phelps, an independent journalist and a regular contributor to Channel 13 in Israel, provides a candid perspective on the societal and media-related challenges in addressing Gaza's plight.

The Emotional Aftermath of October 7th

Phelps underscores the lasting trauma from the events of October 7th, noting:

"The sense of I cannot bear the suffer of these other people and I don't want this to get personal because it's not personal." [07:15]

He describes the profound impact of the attacks on Israeli society, particularly in areas like Nir Oz, where a significant portion of the population was either killed or kidnapped. This collective trauma creates a barrier to empathy towards Gazan civilians.

Media Representation and Public Perception

Phelps critiques Israeli mainstream media for its lack of coverage on Gaza's humanitarian issues:

"The Israeli media has been failing its job by not showing what's happening in Gaza." [07:15]

He points out that while newspapers may cover human stories from Gaza, television media often limit their portrayal to destruction from above, reinforcing a narrative focused on Israeli military success rather than the civilians' suffering.

Lack of Empathy and Media Silence

Phelps explains that the Israeli media's silence is partly due to the shared national trauma, where most Israelis have personal connections to the military or have experienced loss themselves. This shared pain makes it challenging for journalists to empathize with Gazan civilians without feeling a conflict of interest.

Shifting Sentiments and Public Debate

Abrams and Phelps discuss recent shifts in Israeli society's willingness to acknowledge Gaza's suffering. Phelps highlights key events that have sparked this change:

1. Public Demonstrations: Groups like Standing Together, composed of Israelis and Palestinians, have been actively protesting and demanding media coverage of Gaza's plight. Their efforts have pressured mainstream media to reconsider their coverage strategies.

2. Journalistic Discourse: Internal discussions among Israeli journalists, as recounted by Phelps, have begun to challenge the status quo. A leaked conversation among Channel 12 journalists debating the need to cover Gaza more comprehensively served as a tipping point.

3. Prominent Media Statements: Yonit Levi, a major anchor on Channel 12, made a significant statement:

   "Maybe it's about time that we understand that the problem is not the problem of image, but it's the problem of morals." [15:33]

   This rare acknowledgment from a leading media figure catalyzed further discussion and backlash, signaling the beginning of a media shift.

Emerging Changes in Israeli Media and Society

Phelps observes that while the shift in Israeli media and public discourse is nascent and remains limited, it marks a crucial first step towards broader acknowledgment and empathy for Gaza's civilians. He notes that social media has played a pivotal role in exposing Israelis to the realities in Gaza, making it increasingly difficult to ignore the humanitarian crisis despite traditional media's reticence.

"Now, because the situation is got to another point. It's so dire and the pictures were so vivid and hard, I think it was just impossible to look away." [15:33]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the delicate balance within Israeli society between security concerns and humanitarian empathy. Phelps emphasizes that while the majority of Israelis desire a life of peace and security, deeply ingrained fears and the trauma from recent conflicts hamper their ability to empathize with Gazan civilians fully. However, the initiation of public debates and the gradual shift in media coverage suggest a slow but potential evolution in societal attitudes.

"I think it's the first step. The first step is having the public debate and asking the hard questions." [21:22]

Key Takeaways:

• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Severe malnutrition and suffering among children highlight the urgent need for comprehensive aid and international intervention.

• Media's Role: Israeli mainstream media's limited coverage of Gaza exacerbates public detachment, though alternative media outlets continue to bring human stories to light.

• Societal Trauma: The traumatic events of October 7th have profoundly impacted Israeli society, creating emotional barriers to empathy towards Gaza's civilians.

• Shifting Perspectives: Recent public demonstrations, internal journalistic discourse, and statements from prominent media figures indicate the beginnings of a shift in Israeli public discourse regarding Gaza.

• Challenges Ahead: While initial signs of change are present, overcoming longstanding fears and trauma remains a significant hurdle in fostering broader empathy and understanding within Israeli society.

Notable Quotes:

• "She's now weighs less than when she was born." – Emmanuel Elbas Phelps [00:44]

• "This war is also killing a lot of Palestinians in Gaza, which is, you know, just a statement, a factual statement." – Emmanuel Elbas Phelps [02:37]

• "The suffering must end." – Emmanuel Elbas Phelps [01:10]

• "Maybe it's about time that we understand that the problem is not the problem of image, but it's the problem of morals." – Yonit Levi [15:33]

• "It's the first step. The first step is having the public debate and asking the hard questions." – Emmanuel Elbas Phelps [21:22]

This episode of The Daily provides a compelling exploration of the complex interplay between media, societal trauma, and humanitarian concern within the context of the Israeli-Gazan conflict. Through Emmanuel Elbas Phelps' insightful perspectives, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and gradual shifts occurring within Israeli society as they confront the harsh realities faced by their neighbors in Gaza.