"It is particularly refreshing to read an article which includes several Palestinian voices reporting first-hand on the violence they have been experiencing at the hands of the illegal settlers, who continue to terrorize and disrupt their lives. Furthermore, we appreciate the up-to-date coverage of the events affecting Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Your article provides readers with the necessary context to understand the recent events by succinctly recapping them. This is highly useful."
June 26, 2023
To:
Isabel Debre, Anchor and Reporter, AP
Josef Federman, News Director, AP
Donovan Vincent, Public Editor, Toronto Star
Dear Ms. Debre, Mr. Federman, and Mr. Vincent
I’m writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME, https://www.cjpme.org) to express appreciation regarding your article titled “Israeli military kills Palestinian gunman as settlers rampage through Palestinian town” published on June 24 in the Toronto Star.
It is particularly refreshing to read an article which includes several Palestinian voices reporting first-hand on the violence they have been experiencing at the hands of the illegal settlers, who continue to terrorize and disrupt their lives. Furthermore, we appreciate the up-to-date coverage of the events affecting Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Your article provides readers with the necessary context to understand the recent events by succinctly recapping them. This is highly useful.
I would like to point out however that there are a few concerns regarding your reporting, more specifically your choice of words. When describing the occupied Palestinian territories, the word “captured” is once again used in reference to the Israeli occupation of these lands in 1967. Furthermore, the Palestinians claim (rather than “seek”) these lands, which are occupied under international law. We invite you to read more about “Why the West Bank is ‘Occupied’ and not ‘Captured’” here.
Should you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me at 438-380-5410.
Sincerely,
Mohamed Khalaf
Director of Strategic Operations, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East