US supermarket Walmart has caused controversy by stocking an Israeli army Halloween outfit for children.
The costume is available on the store’s website for $27.44 (£17.90) ahead of Halloween. Some users of social media expressed outrage at the costume.
This news comes to us via BBC at a time of spiralling violence between Israel and the Palestinians. Stabbings have become a daily occurrence and the presence of said Israeli military has been “stepped up.” according to the Israeli Minister of Internal Security, Gilad Erdan.
The store’s “Sheikh Fagin nose”, also available on its website, has likewise drawn criticism.
The latex prosthetic nose is described on the website as being “perfect for an Arab Sheik”.
Its large, hook-nosed appearance and the use of the name Fagin – referring to a Jewish character in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist – appear also to play into anti-Semitic stereotypes.
In response to this criticism Wal-mart has pulled both the “Fagin nose and the Israeli soldier costume from its website.
According to USA, more than 40 Palestinians have died in unrest in Israel and the Palestinian territories this month, many killed carrying out attacks on Israelis. Nine Israelis have been killed and dozens wounded in stabbings and some gun attacks.