"The descriptions of both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) are too limited. Rather than relying on catch-all terms like “Islamist” or simply “Iranian-backed,” we encourage journalists to transparently cite the stated aims of these groups."
June 12, 2023
To:
Nidal al-Mughrabi, Journalist, Reuters
Steve Bartlett, Senior Managing Editor, Saltwire
Dear Mr. al Mughrabi and Mr. Bartlett,
I’m writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME, https://www.cjpme.org) to request updates to the June 12 article written by Nidal al-Mughrabi of Reuters published on the Saltwire website entitled “Gaza graffiti artists bedeck houses destroyed by Israel in war.”
First, I want to alert you that only one of the photographs appears on the Saltwire webpage, whereas the original shows 5 photographs. This greatly diminished the impact of the article.
Second, the descriptions of both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) are too limited. Rather than relying on catch-all terms like “Islamist” or simply “Iranian-backed,” we encourage journalists to transparently cite the stated aims of these groups. For example, the 2017 Hamas Charter states:
“The Islamic Resistance Movement ‘Hamas’ is a Palestinian Islamic national liberation and resistance movement. Its goal is to liberate Palestine and confront the Zionist project. Its frame of reference is Islam, which determines its principles, objectives and means.”
To merely refer to Hamas as an “Islamist” organization omits the essential fact that it is also a Palestinian national liberation and resistance movement. I insist that you include reference to the stated aims of Hamas and include that it is a national liberation and resistance movement.
Likewise, while PIJ does receive funding from Iran, it is a paramilitary group that attempts to resist Israel’s occupation. Unlike Hamas, it does not actively engage in governance. I insist that you include more information about PIJ beyond merely being “Iranian-backed.”
By making reference to the stated aims of these groups, your reporting will provide readers with essential context that is historically missing.
If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact me at 438-380-5410.
Sincerely,
Jason Toney
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East
Director of Media Advocacy