The Media Accountability Project  

"The framing of a “cycle of violence” between Jewish settlers and Palestinians is problematic when describing recent events and Israel’s occupation of Palestine. While there is an element of truth to this framing, as the actions of either party often trigger a response, it is extremely misleading for readers who are not aware of the power dynamics at play. Such framing obscures the overall asymmetrical nature of the violence, in which Israel as an occupying power maintains a system of oppression and apartheid over Palestinians. One of the ways in which this oppressive system is imposed is through Israel’s expanding network of settlements which empower settlers to carry out attacks and pogroms against Palestinians with utmost impunity." Continue reading

"Over the course of your four-minute segment, Jerusalem and the Holy sites are strictly described as being within Israel. This is a serious factual error. Both Israel and the Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital city, and East Jerusalem (which includes the Old City) is considered occupied Palestinian territory under international law." Continue reading

"Even if the statistics are accurate, it would be far more relevant to say that about half of those killed are civilians, including at least 13 children killed by Israeli fire since the start of 2023. That would mean that approximately 1 in 5 Palestinians killed this year have been children." Continue reading

"However, there is an unjustified asymmetry in how Israeli and Palestinian casualties were reported while presenting the segment on both The National and CBC News Network. While the Israeli who was killed on Monday was mentioned, there is no similar mention that a Palestinian was killed during the Israeli settler attack on Huwara and surrounding villages. The killing of Sameh al-Aqtash1 is the immediate context for yesterday’s retaliatory attack on an Israeli motorist, as is accurately reflected in the segment itself. His death should have been mentioned in the preliminary remarks." Continue reading

"Israeli settlers did not just burn and vandalize 'hundreds of vehicles and buildings' as you claim in your introduction. Over a period of four hours, more than 400 settlers torched at least 75 Palestinian homes, 35 of which were destroyed completely. In fact, at least nine families reportedly had to be rescued from their burning homes. Although the settlers announced their intention to commit this horrific crime, Israeli forces allowed them to enter the towns freely and did not intervene until hours after the start of the violence. By solely reporting on the vehicles and buildings impacted, you are minimizing the human cost of what many are calling a 'pogrom' against Palestinians." Continue reading

"While the three Israelis who were killed in two incidents are mentioned in the headline and first paragraphs of the article, there is no mention that a Palestinian was killed during the Israeli settler attack on Huwara (Hawara) and surrounding villages. The killing of Sameh al-Aqtash, is the immediate context for the retaliatory attack on an Israeli motorist, and this should have featured prominently in the story. This omission is not acceptable, but shows an unjustified asymmetry in how Israeli and Palestinian casualties are reported." Continue reading

"Much of the Canadian coverage of the event overlooked the ferocity of the violence faced by Palestinians.  Despite its brief segment, CHCH Morning Live provided a description and showed video of the malicious Israeli settler violence. According to Palestinian officials, Israeli settlers have carried out at least 300 attacks on Palestinians and their property in a single night, including shootings and arson. At least 390 Palestinians were injured and one killed according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. Israeli settlers even set homes on fire with families still inside." Continue reading

"However, there is an unjustified asymmetry in how Israeli and Palestinian casualties are reported. While the three Israelis who were killed in two incidents are mentioned in the headline and first paragraphs of the article, it is not until the 14th paragraph until you mention that a Palestinian was killed during the Israeli settler attack on Huwara (Hawara) and surrounding villages. The killing of Sameh al-Aqtash, who is unnamed in the article, is the immediate context for today’s retaliatory attack on an Israeli motorist, and this should have featured prominently in the story." Continue reading

"Your report was inaccurate and misleading. You fail to mention that at least one Palestinian was killed, four others were badly wounded, and around 100 were injured in the settler attack. Given that you mention the killing of two Israelis, it is not only fair, but necessary to mention the Palestinians killed or injured. This is an alarming omission and violates the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Code of Ethics. I am prepared to make a formal complaint." Continue reading

"You inaccurately describe the Israeli raid on the occupied city of Nablus as one of the bloodiest 'battles' this year. Using the term 'battle' obscures the power dynamics at play, creating the appearance of a fight in which both sides are equal. In fact, Israeli military forces have been repeatedly invading and attacking Palestinian cities and villages and indiscriminately killing Palestinian civilians and increasing the death toll to at least 62 Palestinians, including 13 children, since the start of this year. I insist that you issue an on-air correction for referring to this incident as a 'battle,' and clarify that the incident in which Palestinians were killed was a 'confrontation' between mostly unarmed Palestinians and Israeli military forces."   Continue reading