"Third, you mention the “famine facing civilians.” While I appreciate that this was not the focus of your report, any reference to that famine must mention that Israel openly blockaded Gaza for months (and now allows in barely a trickle of food). Without that context, the reader could easily think that the famine is due to natural causes, such as a drought."
Dear CBC editorial team,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to provide constructive feedback on your piece discussing Israel’s recent double-tap strike that killed five Palestinian journalists.
First, I appreciate that the piece and its headline were unequivocal as to whether the targets were journalists. Canadian media often gives unwarranted credence to Israel’s unsubstantiated claims that the professional journalists it kills are in fact Hamas operatives. It is also important that you highlighted the “double tap” nature of the strike and that it hit civilians and aid workers, which as you note is generally the case.
Second, I appreciate your citing the figure of 197 dead journalists published by the Committee to Protect Journalists, and your highlighting that this makes Gaza one of history’s deadliest conflicts for members of your profession.
There are certain ways in which your report would have benefited from additional context and details. While you mention that “some” groups put the figure of journalists killed at over 200, a hyperlink to Al Jazeera’s piece this week identifying by name 273 journalists killed by Israel would have given the reader more clarity while highlighting an Arab perspective, one too often sidelined in Canadian media.
Second, you cite Israeli officials calling the strike a “tragic mishap,” without adding that the Israeli army unit that carried out the strike responded by lashing out at the Prime Minister’s office. They insist that they were following direct orders and that there was no mistake. This information would help the reader judge whether the expression of regret is indeed credible.
Third, you mention the “famine facing civilians.” While I appreciate that this was not the focus of your report, any reference to that famine must mention that Israel openly blockaded Gaza for months (and now allows in barely a trickle of food). Without that context, the reader could easily think that the famine is due to natural causes, such as a drought.
I would urge the CBC to add a clarification to its piece, adding the important details and context set forth above, to enhance the reader’s understanding of the facts that you present.
Sincerely,
Adam Allouba
Media Advocate
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East
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