Failure to cite the Israeli blockades as the reason why Canadian citizens are trapped in Gaza

"I insist that Canadian Press and CTV include a reference to the fact that Canadians in the Gaza Strip cannot access evacuation flights due to Israeli blockades."


October 13, 2023

To: 

Dan Taylor, Managing Editor, CTV News 

Tim Cook, Managing Editor, Canadian Press 

Dear Dan Taylor and Tim Cook, 

I’m writing regarding the Canadian Press article published by CTV on October 13 titled, “London, Ont. doctor trapped in Gaza volunteers at hospital, urges entry of medical aid.” 

While the headline clarifies that a Canadian doctor is “trapped” in Gaza, no context is provided about why or how. I’m afraid that many readers will assume it is simply because of the intensity of the Israeli bombardment when, in fact, people in Gaza cannot leave. 

The inability of Canadians to leave Gaza is detailed effectively in another CTV article, “Canadians in Gaza can't reach evacuation flights, call for the government to step up” by Alexandre Mae Jones. All of the context Jones mentions is missing in the article in question despite its apparent centrality. 

Jones writes, “There’s currently no way for Canadians in the blockaded Gaza Strip to reach these evacuation flights, sparking calls for the government to do more.” This information ought to be included. 

I insist that Canadian Press and CTV include a reference to the fact that Canadians in the Gaza Strip cannot access evacuation flights due to Israeli blockades. 

Sincerely, 

Jason Toney 

Director of Media Advocacy, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East