"Gallant’s statement is pregnant with significance and intent. As you may know, such dehumanizing language is often a precursor to literal genocidal, and CBC and the Associated Press should NOT have self-censored this language from its coverage. I insist, therefore, that you incorporate this quote, and highlight the appalling implications for Palestinians."
October 9, 2023
To:
Brodie Fenlon, CBC news editor-in-chief
Marie Ito, CBC managing editor of digital publishing
Josef Federman, Associated Press
Dear Mr. Fenlon, Ms. Ito, Mr. Federman,
I’m writing to you to point out a serious oversight and a need for greater balance in today’s article, “Israel's defence minister orders 'complete siege' of Gaza”
In the piece, you cite Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday ordered a "complete siege" on Gaza, saying authorities would cut electricity and block the entry of food and fuel. However, you fail to mention that in the same session, he said, “We are fighting against human animals.”
Gallant’s statement is pregnant with significance and intent. As you may know, such dehumanizing language is often a precursor to literal genocidal, and CBC and the Associated Press should NOT have self-censored this language from its coverage. I insist, therefore, that you incorporate this quote, and highlight the appalling implications for Palestinians.
In fact, I believe this quote, its implications, and similar types of genocidal-leaning sound bites from Israeli politicians should be the subject of a future article.
I will also point out a huge imbalance in the coverage of the two peoples in this piece. While on Saturday, it may have been appropriate to highlight the Israeli victims of the recent violence, by Monday morning 4:49 a.m. EDT when the article was published, the numbers of victims in the most recent cycle of violence had started to equalize. As such:
- There should be much more coverage and video of Palestinian victims of Israel violence in Gaza.
- There should be much more video and stills of the horrific Israeli violence inflicted on Gaza, as your written coverage stated that Israeli strikes had “levelled much of the town of Beit Hanoun.”
- More quotes and positions from Palestinian leaders and representatives of victims.
I do note with appreciation that 1) you point out that legal experts assert that Israel still occupies Gaza despite disengaging in 2005, and 2) the blockade of Gaza is also considered by legal experts as collective punishment.
Should you wish, feel free to contact me at 438-380-5410.
Sincerely,
Thomas Woodley, MPA
President, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East