"This framing uncritically repeats the Israeli military’s narrative of a counterterrorism operation without questioning its proportionality or compliance with international law. For instance, the article whitewashes the Israeli military’s actions by blindly repeating their justifications for “raids” through the claim that they are targeting "militants" despite there being supporting evidence indicating otherwise. Furthermore, the article barely includes any Palestinian perspectives which contributes to this one-sided reporting that heavily relies on the claims made by an occupying force."
January 25, 2025
To the CBC and Reuters newsrooms,
I am writing on behalf of CJPME to express my concern over your one-sided coverage of the brutal Israeli raids terrorizing Palestinians in the West Bank. I take issue with the article “Hundreds of families leave West Bank as major Israeli raid continues,” published on Jan 23, 2025 in particular.
The article overlooks some of the challenges faced by Palestinians in Jenin and neighboring cities. The most glaring issue however is that your report fails to mention the UN’s estimate that at least 2,000 families have been forcibly displaced in Jenin throughout these raids by the Israeli army.
Additionally, I take issue with the following claims in your reporting:
“The operation, involving large columns of vehicles backed by helicopters and drones, was launched in the first week of a ceasefire in Gaza that saw the first exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails since a brief truce in November 2023.”
“Israeli officials said the Jenin operation was aimed at what the military said were Iranian-backed militant groups in the refugee camp adjacent to the city, a major hub for armed Palestinian groups for years.”
This framing uncritically repeats the Israeli military’s narrative of a counterterrorism operation without questioning its proportionality or compliance with international law. For instance, the article whitewashes the Israeli military’s actions by blindly repeating their justifications for “raids” through the claim that they are targeting "militants" despite there being supporting evidence indicating otherwise. Furthermore, the article barely includes any Palestinian perspectives which contributes to this one-sided reporting that heavily relies on the claims made by an occupying force.
Let’s be clear, this is a siege on the Jenin camp. It should be reported as such.
This is also a major double standard on the part of your newsroom. Imagine describing Russia's actions in Ukraine using Kremlin terminology such as using the term “special military operation” instead of “war.” It would rightly be condemned as irresponsible. The same standard should be applied to Palestinians in the West Bank.
As the National Public Broadcaster, CBC has a responsibility to provide fair, accurate, and comprehensive reporting.
For future coverage, I demand that the CBC and Reuters include detailed accounts of the devastating impacts these raids have on Palestinian civilians. Both newsrooms must also provide balanced reporting that critically examines claims made by the Israeli military and include more Palestinian voices.
I trust that you will take these concerns seriously.
Anthony Issa
Media Analyst
CJPME