Israeli special forces and Shin Bet, backed by heavy airstrikes, were used in the capture of Moin Al-Arabeed. Given the scope of the military resources that were engaged, “Israeli fire” does not accurately describe Israel’s attack on a neighbourhood in Gaza City crowded with displaced families. It also minimizes the impact on the civilians living there.
Dear Mr. Nidal al-Mughrabi, Ms. Freedman and Ms. Martin,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to express our concern regarding the article, Israeli fire kills four in Gaza, military says it arrests Hamas militant that was published online in the Globe and Mail on September 1, 2026.
We were pleased that you included in your article the facts that Israeli strikes on Gaza have continued in spite of the October ceasefire agreement, that there are a disproportionate number of Palestinian casualties as compared to Israeli military casualties and that Hamas has reached out to mediators and the Board of Peace envoy to exert some pressure on Israel.
Our concern with your article is primarily with the language in your headline.
First, your headline mentioned that “4” have been killed. Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli army has attempted to erase Palestinian identity in Gaza, deliberately targeting the Palestinian people and their cultural and learning institutions. The identity erasure attempt by the Israeli army in Gaza is unprecedented and should not be supported by the media, especially when reporting on the Israeli army’s actions in Gaza. In the interest of fair reporting, we request that the headline be changed to specifically mention that it was 4 Palestinians killed.
Israeli special forces and Shin Bet, backed by heavy airstrikes, were used in the capture of Moin Al-Arabeed. Given the scope of the military resources that were engaged, “Israeli fire” does not accurately describe Israel’s attack on a neighbourhood in Gaza City crowded with displaced families. It also minimizes the impact on the civilians living there.
In light of our concerns, we ask that you revise the headline to one that adheres to the journalistic principle of fairness by using language that is neutral and accurate. For example, Israel kills 4 Palestinians in their capture of a Hamas official.
Sincerely,
Debbie Hubbard
Kelowna, B.C.