In a deeply controversial social media post, Israeli screenwriter and actor Gil Kopatz stirred widespread outrage by comparing humanitarian aid to Gaza with feeding sharks, and openly advocating for the extermination of Gazans. His remarks, made during Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, have drawn sharp condemnation across political and social spectrums, raising renewed concerns over the dehumanizing rhetoric used by some public figures amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Holocaust Day Post Sparks Backlash
Gil Kopatz posted on Facebook earlier this week: “If you feed sharks, they end up eating you. If you feed Gazans, they end up eating you. I am in favour of shark extinction and in favour of exterminating Gazans.” He concluded the post with a reference to “Reflections on Holocaust Day 2025.”
The post was immediately met with strong criticism. Ahmad Tibi, a Palestinian member of the Israeli Knesset, denounced the comments, calling Gil Kopatz a “neo-Nazi degenerate” and condemning the use of Holocaust Remembrance Day to promote hate. Social media users also condemned the statement, calling it dangerous, inhumane, and symptomatic of rising extremist sentiments.
Doubling Down on Remarks
In a follow-up post, Gil Kopatz further defended his original statement. “I don’t have even one drop of compassion for Gazans,” he wrote, adding that he does feel empathy for Arabs in general and humans as a whole, but not for what he described as “human animals.” Gil Kopatz continued by asserting that he sees no humanity in those raised in Gaza, accusing them of being indoctrinated with hatred. He added, “It is not genocide, it’s pesticide, and it’s essential to do it.”
Despite these inflammatory statements, Gil Kopatz described himself as a “humane, liberal, and moral person.” His justification, critics argue, reflects a broader pattern of dehumanization that has become more visible since Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023.
Since the conflict began, Israeli officials and commentators have been criticized for using similarly provocative language. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited the biblical story of Amalek—seen by many as a genocidal reference—during early phases of the ground invasion. Former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant referred to Palestinians in Gaza as “human animals” and justified cutting off vital supplies to the region. Other ministers have made extreme remarks suggesting nuclear action or the total erasure of Gaza.
Gil Kopatz’s statements have reignited debate over the limits of free speech and the moral responsibilities of public figures, especially during ongoing humanitarian crises.
