Netflix’s controversial series Fauda has come under fire once again as one of its crew members, Matan Meir, was killed while serving with Israeli occupying forces in Gaza. Meir, who had volunteered as a reservist, is the latest casualty in the ongoing conflict that has seen an alarming humanitarian crisis unfold in the region. Fauda, which means ‘chaos’ in Arabic, premiered on Netflix in 2016 and follows the story of an Israeli soldier searching for a Hamas commander. While the show claims to offer a neutral perspective, Palestinians have criticized it for glorifying Israeli war crimes.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has called for Fauda to be discontinued, labeling it an anti-Arab, racist, Israeli propaganda tool that promotes and justifies grave human rights violations. Ironically, crew members of the show are now directly participating in similar violations in Gaza, where Israel’s brutal military offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 11,500 Palestinians, including 4,710 children. The Israeli military has been advancing into the Strip, vowing to wipe Hamas off the face of the Earth.
In the midst of this crisis, Israel triggered global outrage by raiding Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital complex in Gaza. The hospital has served as a refuge for thousands of Palestinians seeking treatment and shelter, including journalists covering the humanitarian conditions. Israel has claimed that the hospital is a Hamas command post and that tunnels are located beneath it, but these allegations have been debunked. Videos and pictures published by Israel as evidence have been proven false, raising further doubts about their intentions.
In response to Israel’s actions, Palestinian victims have filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing Israel of committing genocide. The complaint highlights Israel’s siege on Gaza, which has deprived 2.3 million people of essential resources, as well as its targeting of civilian infrastructure. South Africa has also submitted a referral to the ICC to investigate Israel’s war crimes in Gaza, and the African National Congress (ANC) has called for the closure of the Israeli Embassy in the country.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep concern over the situation in Gaza, describing it as a detention camp where genocide is taking place. As a country that has experienced its own struggle for freedom, South Africa stands in solidarity with the Palestinians. Ramaphosa commended Qatar for its support of the Palestinian cause and emphasized the need for peace and a solution to the conflict.
The killing of Fauda crew member Matan Meir has once again brought attention to the controversial Netflix series and its portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the show claims to be neutral, it has faced criticism for glorifying Israeli war crimes. As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with an alarming humanitarian crisis unfolding, calls for justice and accountability grow louder. The International Criminal Court may provide a platform for Palestinian victims to seek justice, while countries like South Africa add their voice to the chorus condemning Israel’s actions.
