"Your headline is not an accurate summation of the article. In fact, it will skew the reader's interpretation to believe that Hamas is behind the lawlessness in Gaza, not Israel. We can’t know if the looting etc. is caused by a weakened Hamas or not - this is only speculation at this point."
December 3, 2024
To Chris Brown, Nancy Waugh
Cc: CBC Ombudsman
Dear Mr. Brown and Ms. Waugh
I’m writing in appreciation of Chris Brown’s article “With Hamas losing grip on Gaza, lawlessness becomes one more threat to civilians”, published on CBC’s website December 2, 2024.
This analysis article does a very good job of helping the reader understand the inhumane pressure heaped on the people of Gaza by Israel. Both sides are heard from and most importantly, the plight of Palestinians, driven to extreme desperation by hunger, thirst and the constant threat of violence, is given due emphasis.
Israel has an obligation under international law to ensure the civilian population has the means necessary to survive. A statement from the UNRWA Commissioner General on Dec 1 emphasizes this point, and should be mentioned in future coverage.
From the UNRWA Commissioner General on Dec 1.
“The responsibility of protection of aid workers + supplies is with the State of Israel as the occupying power.”
On a related matter, this story is rooted in Israel’s restriction of humanitarian aid into Gaza. This is why I find the headline for the story so deceptive. As your article outlines, Israel is the primary author of Gaza’s desperation, not Hamas. Even the UN has said so and has closed a crossing because it’s so dangerous. In UNRWA’s official statement of Dec 1 they say,
“In Gaza, the humanitarian operation has become unnecessarily impossible due to:
- The ongoing siege,
- Hurdles from Israeli authorities,
- Political decisions to restrict the amounts of aid,
- Lack of safety on aid routes and
- Targeting of local police.”
Your headline is not an accurate summation of the article. In fact, it will skew the reader's interpretation to believe that Hamas is behind the lawlessness in Gaza, not Israel. We can’t know if the looting etc. is caused by a weakened Hamas or not - this is only speculation at this point.
I ask that you amend the headline for the article to properly reflect the content and to maintain integrity in your journalism.
Please do not blame the Palestinians for the intolerable situation that has been thrust upon them.
Regards,
Jeff Winch