Opinion: Leland Vittert's Gaza War Diary: The Unfiltered Truth

The Sydney Saga and the Power of Words

Leland Vittert, a chief Washington anchor and host of "On Balance," has shared an early glimpse into tonight’s 9 pm ET show. As a former foreign correspondent in Jerusalem, he brings a unique perspective to the current events shaping our world. One of the topics being discussed is the recent controversy surrounding the Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle jeans advertisement campaign.

According to a professor interviewed on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” the campaign uses the phrase “good genes” in a way that evokes troubling historical associations. Robin Landa from Kean University explained that the term “good genes” was used during the American eugenics movement between 1900 and 1940 to justify white supremacism. This has sparked a significant reaction, with the ad receiving billions in free media coverage and American Eagle's stock rising as a result.

Gaza and the Famine Narrative

A common saying in the Middle East is, “Save me from my friends – enemies, I can take care of myself.” Israel may be thinking this about the U.K. and France right now, as both countries have indicated they will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel does not take more steps to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that if hostages are not released by September, he will be forced to recognize a Palestinian state. French President Emmanuel Macron also emphasized the need to build the State of Palestine, ensuring its viability and contributing to the security of all in the Middle East. However, mediators from Qatar and Egypt have pointed out that Hamas is the main obstacle in achieving a ceasefire.

The Reality Behind the Famine Claims

Some images circulating online have fueled the narrative that Israel is intentionally starving the Gaza Strip. However, the facts tell a different story. Much like the war crimes accusations against Israel after October 7, these claims are often rooted in antisemitism disguised as humanitarian concern.

Hamas controls Gaza and has been known to steal aid or shoot those attempting to access it. They could end the conflict by releasing the hostages but refuse to do so. Hamas embraces suffering as part of their policy, knowing that much of the media and politicians will blame Israel for any developments in Gaza.

Global Famine and Neglect

UNICEF representative Peter Hawkins highlighted the severe malnutrition affecting children in Yemen, where Iranian-backed groups are responsible for the famine. Similar situations exist in Mali, where nearly one and a half million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition. Despite these crises, there has been little public outcry or action.

Other ongoing crises include the genocide of the Druze in southern Syria and the Yazidi in Iraq. These issues often go unnoticed, raising questions about why some crises receive attention while others do not.

The Deafening Silence on Gun Violence

The recent mass shooting in New York City exposed the sad reality of society. While politicians and cable news covered the incident extensively, the same level of attention is not given to shootings in other parts of the country. A quick scan of the Gun Violence Archive reveals that such incidents are not uncommon.

For example: - Yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia: 1 killed and 10 injured. - July 7 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 3 killed and 9 injured. - July 2 in Chicago, Illinois: 4 killed and 14 injured. - June 22 in Anderson, South Carolina: 1 killed and 9 injured. - June 15 in Elkhart, Indiana: 1 killed and 11 injured.

These shootings often occur in poor, minority neighborhoods, and the media and politicians rarely respond with the same urgency as they do for incidents in wealthier areas.

Political Hypocrisy and the Role of Media

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of NYC, posted about the Midtown Manhattan shooting, expressing his condolences. However, his past statements reveal a different side. In 2020, he called for defunding the NYPD, claiming it was racist and a threat to public safety. This contradiction highlights the hypocrisy of some politicians who claim to care about marginalized communities but fail to address the root causes of violence.

Mamdani, raised by a Columbia professor and an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, has shown little concern for the weekly shootings in poor neighborhoods. This raises questions about the sincerity of his policies and the media's role in holding politicians accountable.

Tune In for More Insights

Join Leland Vittert on "On Balance" weeknights at 9/8 CT on DISCOVER TREND. Find your channel here for more in-depth discussions on current events. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of DISCOVER TREND. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DISCOVER TREND.