The Media Accountability Project  

Constructive feedback on AP article regarding Israel’s assassination of Hamas leaders

This wording is inaccurate and dehumanizing. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released on August 22, 2025, makes clear that over half a million Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing famine. To describe this as occurring in “parts of Gaza” erases both the scale of the famine and the Palestinian identity.

To the CBC and AP Newsrooms,

I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East regarding the AP article published by CBC News titled “Hamas says 5 of its members killed, including son of top leader, in Israeli attack in Qatar” (September 9, 9:24 am).

The article reports on Israel’s U.S. backed airstrike that assassinated 5 low rank Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. At one point, the article states: “The war in Gaza has already left Israel increasingly isolated internationally, with even many of its Western allies calling for it to end the war and do more to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, parts of which are experiencing famine.”

This wording is inaccurate and dehumanizing. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released on August 22, 2025, makes clear that over half a million Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing famine. To describe this as occurring in “parts of Gaza” erases both the scale of the famine and the Palestinian identity.

Gaza as an occupied territory is not experiencing famine — Palestinians in Gaza are. This famine is man-made; the direct result of Israel’s illegal siege and block of humanitarian aid that has been ongoing for months.

It was precisely in response to Israel's man made famine that the Sumud Flotilla attempted to sail with aid to Gaza before being intercepted in Tunisian waters. Meanwhile, Israel continues to escalate regionally — from bombing Hamas negotiation leaders in Doha, to assassinating the Yemeni Prime Minister, to daily bombardments in southern Lebanon.

While I was not on the Sumud flotilla, I offer my words instead—because words matter, and journalism, by extension, has the power to shape narratives. I, therefore, ask you to amend your coverage, specifying that over half a million Palestinians are enduring famine as a result of Israel's illegal siege and block of humanitarian aid.

Thanks for reading and I await your response.

Lynn Naji

Media Analyst

Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East

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