"Since March 11, there have been restrictions imposed by COGAT, the Israeli defense body overseeing civilian affairs in the West Bank. COGAT Chief Ghassan Elian announced that access to the mosque for Friday prayers is limited to men over 55, women over 50, and children under 10. Worshipers now require a valid permit from COGAT, subject to security approval."
March 19, 2024
To:
Sarah Coates, Journalist, Reuters
Howard Goller, Global News Desk Editor, Reuters
Heather Hiscox, News anchor, CBC News
Francis D'Souza, Managing Editor of News Programs, The National, CBC News
Dear Sarah Coates and Heather Hiscox,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to request a correction in the news segment: “Families of hostages urge Israel to consider new Hamas ceasefire proposal,” aired on March 15 by CBC News.
You mentioned during the news segment "While there are no restrictions really at this stage being placed on Palestinians from Jerusalem from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque,” which is inaccurate.
Since March 11, there have been restrictions imposed by COGAT, the Israeli defense body overseeing civilian affairs in the West Bank. COGAT Chief Ghassan Elian announced that access to the mosque for Friday prayers is limited to men over 55, women over 50, and children under 10. Worshipers now require a valid permit from COGAT, subject to security approval.
I, therefore, ask you to rectify this error during your next coverage, as it contained factual inaccuracy and misled viewers.
I hope CBC News and the Reuters journalist will promptly address this issue and maintain accurate reporting on the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Matta,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East