ALBAWABA - Italian magazine L’Espresso has been facing mixed reactions on social media since releasing its latest copy with a cover photo showing an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian woman.
The cover of the Italian magazine "L'Espresso" has gone viral on social media after publishing a striking image under the headline "L'ABUSO" (The Abuse/Violation) depicting a settler wearing a military uniform and a Palestinian woman.
The image featured an Israeli soldier documenting the misery of a Palestinian woman with his phone, symbolizing the policies of oppression in the West Bank.
After criticism by Israelis, L'Espresso posted the cover on her X and wrote a statement, "The annexation of the West Bank, with soldiers complicit in the settlers' actions. Gaza annihilated. The advance into Lebanon. The border violation in Syria. The war on Iran. Ethnic cleansing and massacres. Thus, the Zionist right gives shape to Greater Israel."
L’Espresso magazine cover. (L’Espresso/ X)
According to pro-Palestinian activists, L’Espresso's cover highlights events in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria to the "Greater Israel" project. The Israeli ambassador in Rome rebuked the magazine cover and labeled it as "hate speech".
Ambassador Jonathan Peled wrote, "We strongly condemn the manipulative use of the recent cover of L’Espresso. The image distorts the complex reality with which Israel must coexist, promoting stereotypes and hatred. Responsible journalism must be balanced and fair."
On the other side, human rights activists say the cover reflects the reality of militarily-backed settlement expansion, especially in the West Bank.
Moreover, to defend the Italian magazine, many activists and Palestinian outlets posted the full video from where the photo on L’Espresso was taken, and the clip showed the Israeli settler harassing the Palestinian woman and documenting her misery with his phone.
Full video:
Rabbi Elchanan Poupko lashed out at the cover, saying, "Italy's magazine
"L’Espresso" publishing Antisemitic Der Sturmer-worthy imagery should clarify where they got this image from." He also attempted to whitewash the reputation of Israeli soldiers, by adding "The military vest worn here is no longer in use by the IDF, the wedding ring and bracelet are never worn by ultra Orthodox men, the formation of the beard and Kippah are outlandish, and of course the very bizarre smile/showing teeth are unnatural."
However, Grok left a comment reading, "The photograph was taken in the West Bank by Peter Masturzo," and "The soldier in question has been photographed by other news outlets including the New York Times."
A photo showing an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian woman, which was placed on L’Espresso magazine. (Instagram)
