'Hold the Met Gala there': NY Post slammed over after calling Gaza tent cafes 'luxurious'

The New York Post is facing intense backlash online after publishing an opinion piece suggesting that the existence of some “luxurious" cafes and restaurants in Gaza Strip undermines accusations of genocide against Palestinians in the besieged enclave.

The article, published by the tabloid’s editorial board earlier this month, referenced an opinion essay by Gaza-based writer Eman Abu Zayed, originally published by Al Jazeera.

In her piece, Abu Zayed described her shock at seeing newly opened and expensive establishments operating amid widespread devastation in Gaza.

However, she explicitly argued that these cafes did not represent a return to normal life.

“They are a testament to its continuing genocidal abnormality,” she wrote, saying the war had created a “deeply unjust social order” inside Gaza.

The New York Post instead framed the existence of these establishments as evidence against genocide allegations and criticised what it called the media’s “failure” to challenge such claims.

The article quickly sparked widespread criticism online, particularly after social media users pointed out that one of the so-called “luxury” cafes featured in the discussion appeared to be little more than a tent-like structure built using temporary materials.

“For anyone who looks closely, particularly at the ceiling, it is easy to see that it is basically a tent with an even roof stabilized by some thin wood planks,” one user wrote.

Another viral comment mocked the framing entirely: “They should hold next Met Gala at this cafe if they find it so luxurious.”

Many users accused the publication of ignoring the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where severe shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies have intensified following renewed Israeli restrictions despite ceasefire-related aid provisions announced earlier.

According to health authorities in Gaza, at least 72,740 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, while another 172,192 people have been wounded. Thousands more are believed to remain trapped under rubble.

The controversy surrounding the article has reignited debate online over western media narratives surrounding Gaza and the portrayal of daily life inside the territory amid the genocide.