The Media Accountability Project  

On June 17, 2024, CJPME complained that a statement by the Manitoba Islamic Association had been misrepresented in a CBC article. In reference to mental health, the Association expressed concern about the impact the ongoing “genocide against Palestinians” was having on youth. CBC paraphrased the reference to genocide as the “war in Gaza.”

Following our complaint, CBC’s Sr. Manager of Journalistic Standards & Public Trust acknowledged this was a mistake. To resolve it, CBC included the direct quote from the Association and added an Editor’s Note that reads, “The story has been updated to reflect that the Manitoba Islamic Association referenced genocide in Gaza, not war, in its statement.”

CJPME is satisfied with CBC’s response and believes it is essential that references to genocide are not whitewashed by vague references to the “war in Gaza.”

"Your article and headline should clarify that the stabbing attempt is, at this point in time, only an allegation made by the Israeli authorities, who claim without evidence that the Canadian tourist 'threatening Israeli security forces with a knife.' However, this is mere hearsay as there has not been a formal investigation into the incident."

"I consider your use of the expression 'drumbeat of…' in the sentence, 'Air strikes in recent days have brought a constant drumbeat of deaths of Palestinians…' to be extremely insensitive and offensive. Despite how Palestinians are frequently dehumanized in popular depictions, their deaths are not mechanical inevitabilities, but individual tragedies. A look at other 'drumbeat of…' examples from Merriam-Webster demonstrate how insensitive your chosen language is. And I would suggest replacing the word 'constant drumbeat of deaths,' with 'tragic' or 'unfortunate' or 'sad.' Use of these other terms will more accurately capture the atmosphere among the survivors after 60 lives were so needlessly extinguished."

"According to Haaretz, this directive essentially permits actions that could lead to the death of captured soldiers or Israeli civilians taken hostage to prevent their capture. The use of this directive has severe implications for the events of October 7 and drastically changes the original narrative reported by Israel about Hamas’ capturing of civilians. Including this context in your article and future reports about October 7 is crucial to providing a balanced and comprehensive understanding of the actions taken by the Israeli military and their impact on Palestinians in Gaza, as well as their own civilians and soldiers."

"Your article focuses on the Israeli military's claim that they were targeting a Hamas military commander. Whether this claim is true or not is irrelevant; what should be centered in your story and most importantly your headline is that the airstrike by Israel hit a designated “safe zone.” At least 90 people have been killed and roughly 300 wounded from the Israeli air attack on the al-Mawasi refugee camp. This context is crucial for your audience for a comprehensive understanding of the event, yet it is buried by numerous IDF claims throughout the article."

"The Toronto Star’s decision to highlight a Hamas comment on the ceasefire talks, rather than 1) Israel’s devastating attack on civilians, 2) Israel’s decision to make an attack in a supposed “safe zone,” and 3) Israel’s false claim of having killed a Hamas leader, seems very suspect."

"After Haaretz released its damning report that the Israeli military ordered the Hannibal Directive on October 7, I anticipated, to a certain extent, that popular Canadian media would conveniently ignore these findings. I am not surprised that The Associated Press has fallen into the disappointing and deep pool of Canadian media outlets engaging in this case of deliberate self-censorship."

"After Haaretz released its damning report that the Israeli military ordered the Hannibal Directive on October 7, I anticipated, to a certain extent, that popular Canadian media would conveniently ignore these findings. I am not surprised that Global News has fallen into the disappointing and deep pool of Canadian media outlets engaging in this case of deliberate self-censorship."

"First, you briefly mention one paragraph from the Al-Khair Foundation Statement that Mansour was an aid worker, then quickly pivot to the Israeli Army's unsubstantiated claims that “Mansour played a role in spreading violent activities throughout the Gaza Strip, and that Al-Khair Foundation 'transfers funds to terror organizations.” However, it is imperative to recognize that Israeli authorities have a notorious history of masking their war crimes and crimes against humanity through deceit, fabrications, and disinformation. Including Al-Khair Foundation’s heartfelt statement, which provides crucial context about Mansour's invaluable humanitarian work, would have offered a much-needed counterbalance to the Israeli Army’s narrative."

"To be frank with you, Mr. Blaff, this article isn’t journalism. It’s a hit piece against an NGO doing vital work within a conflict zone. Simply put, you are a mouthpiece for Israeli propaganda that dehumanizes Palestinians and pressures NGOs from distancing themselves from supporting Palestinians in Gaza."