After a constructive correspondence between CJPME Media Analyst Anthony Issa and the newsroom of New Brunswick newspaper The Aquinian, its masthead has updated their recent article on the Gaza ceasefire to more accurately reflect the situation of Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel.
According to these human rights organizations, Israel’s dual legal system constitutes apartheid, as it enforces separate and unequal treatment based on nationality and ethnicity. Under this system, Palestinians, including children, are often detained without charge or trial under administrative detention orders. As of December 1, 2024, Israeli authorities held 2,873 Palestinians in administrative detention, marking a three-decade high. Amnesty International has documented the systematic use of torture and degrading treatment of Palestinian detainees, including beatings, stress positions, and denial of medical care, all of which violate international law.
The article now rightly refers to these individuals as hostages rather than prisoners. The term hostages better reflect the grave power dynamics and human rights violations inherent in their detention by Israel.
This change matters as it challenges the misleading narrative that Palestinians in Israeli prisons are all convicted criminals. It also highlights the fact that many Palestinians are detained without charges, including minors.
At CJPME, we’ve long advocated for precise and fair language in media coverage of Palestine. Small shifts in language can profoundly reshape public understanding of the occupation and the systemic injustices Palestinians face by Israel.
A huge thank-you to The Aquinian for taking this step toward balanced journalism.