Problematic language regarding illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank

"The use of the word “seek” obscures the fact that illegal settlements are built on Palestinian land that has been militarily occupied by Israel since 1967." Continue reading

 

Misleading and incorrect description of Hamas

"The second part of your sentence is untrue. While its 1988 Charter vowed to work outside the framework of peace initiatives with Israel, since 2004 Hamas leaders have repeatedly and consistently stated they would accept a peace agreement based on Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 borders. Such an agreement would effectively mean accepting a negotiated peace and a de facto recognition of Israel." Continue reading

 

Letter to The Hill Times: "MPs should avoid all-expenses-paid tours: CJPME"

"MPs should avoid unethical, all-expenses-paid tours with pro-Israel advocacy organizations like CIJA. If an MP decides to go anyway, they should at the very least insist on setting up additional meetings with Palestinian and Israeli human rights defenders and devote equal time and resources to this part of the itinerary. Finally, MPs must make sure to push for access to the Gaza Strip and other areas restricted by the Israeli government." Continue reading

 

Thanks for intimate portrait of pilgrims going on Hajj in CTV News

I was especially pleased that you chose to tell the story of Huda Zaqqut, whose life feels “like a miracle” in spite of the hardships of living in Gaza.  I appreciated that you pointed out that Gaza is “like a prison”, closed “on all sides” due to Israel and Egypt’s blockade. Continue reading

 

Article frames Palestinians as being opposed to democratic values in Winnipeg Free Press

I find it alarming that China’s efforts, in the context of Palestine’s international relations, would be framed around promoting “authoritarian government.” The paragraph paints a portrait of a clash of civilians between an ‘authoritarian’ boogey-man and the “Western-led democratic world order.”  Continue reading

 

Problematic language and inadequate context about an Israeli military raid in the occupied city of Nablus

"Third, to describe the escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank as a “response to a spasm of Palestinian violence” that has “surged” is deeply problematic and misleading. It obscures Israel’s role as an aggressor and occupier and disregards the power imbalance between Israel and the Palestinian people, of which the former has one of the “most advanced militaries in the world.” More importantly, such language rationalizes Israeli violence against Palestinians, “equating the oppressed with the oppressors or blaming the oppressed for the actions of the oppressor." Continue reading

 

Thanks for including diverse sources and context about the murder of Omar Assad

"I also appreciate the inclusion of Shireen Abu-Akleh’s case as it points to a larger, systematic issue that Palestinians face. This provides key information to the readers that many reports often omit." Continue reading

 

Thanks for including a Palestinian angle regarding the United States' decision to rejoin UNESCO

"Despite the overwhelming majority in support of Palestine membership, the United States chose to stop funding UNESCO in protest. I appreciate that you provided this context to your segment as it gives viewers important information and acknowledges the Palestinian context of the story." Continue reading

 

Missing photographs and reductive descriptions of Gazan groups in Saltwire article

"The descriptions of both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) are too limited. Rather than relying on catch-all terms like “Islamist” or simply “Iranian-backed,” we encourage journalists to transparently cite the stated aims of these groups." Continue reading

 

Thanks for providing a Palestinian aspect to the United States' decision to rejoin UNESCO

"First, I appreciate that your article framed the United States’ decision to rejoin UNESCO around Palestine’s contested membership status in the organization. The article provided important context about why the United States withdrew its funding in lieu of recognizing Palestine as a member."  Continue reading