José Andrés, the celebrity chef and founder of World Central Kitchen who is donating food to Gazans, called on U.S. President Joe Biden to demand that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “stop killing children, targeting humanitarian volunteers and press.”
He also insisted that the U.S. president demand that his Israeli counterpart “open more routes by road into Gaza to feed everyone” and call for a ceasefire, “with hostages released on both sides.”
Many pointed out that Israel is not holding hostages.
“There are absolutely no Palestinian hostages in Israel. This is so disgusting and deeply disappointing,” wrote Karol Markowicz, a prominent conservative columnist.
“I have always admired José Andrés and absolutely adore his food. That said, I cannot stomach the idea that ‘both sides’ have hostages,” wrote Carly Pildis, director of community engagement at the Anti-Defamation League.
“Hamas has hostages, including babies and women who are being raped as we speak,” Pildis added. “Israel has convicted terrorists. It’s not the same.”
