Hyderabad, Dec. 20 -- During a debate on "Does God Exist?", renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar questioned the existence of God by asking, "If he is really omnipotent, then why are children in Gaza suffering?"

A self-proclaimed atheist, Akhtar sparked widespread outrage in the Muslim community after he implied that God was watching the atrocities play out in Gaza, where over 35,000 children under the age of ten have perished, and several remain hungry in worsening condition since the Israeli military action began after October 7, 2023.

"If you really are omnipotent, omnipresent, then you must be present in Gaza as well, you must have seen the children's condition, and you still want me to believe in you?" he asked.

He posed the question to ...