Award-winning journalist Daoud Kuttab discusses Israel's intent on purging independent eyewitnesses of the ongoing Genocide in Gaza. Over 63 journalists killed, families wiped out by Israel. Lack of accountability, UN's failure, US veto, hypocrisy around human rights, dissatisfaction with the Biden administration, reevaluating media support.
Israel uses violence and targeting of journalists to suppress the Palestinian narrative and control the Gaza narrative.
Western media often portrays Palestinians as numbers while humanizing Israelis, contributing to the ongoing atrocities.
The US veto of a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire underscores the flawed structure of the Security Council and questions US credibility as a peacemaker in the region.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza fails to achieve its objectives and instead serves a larger strategy of ethnically cleansing Palestinians.
The international community's response to the Gaza conflict has been inadequate, and boycotts and accountability measures are necessary.
Deep dives
Continued Genocide in Gaza
The ongoing genocide in Gaza is at the forefront, with a death toll exceeding 17,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children. The dire conditions have led to complete starvation, and over 1.6 million Palestinians are internally displaced. Despite the catastrophic situation, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire, preventing protection for Palestinian civilians.
Targeting Journalists and Controlling the Narrative
Journalists have become a target in Israel's efforts to silence the Palestinian narrative. Over 60 journalists have been killed, and many more injured, arrested, or threatened. Israel aims to control the narrative by preventing international journalists and independent eyewitnesses from entering Gaza and the West Bank. Social media has been crucial in challenging the Israeli propaganda, but efforts to silence social media are ongoing.
Israel's Misrepresentation in Western Media
The Western media's reporting on the Gaza conflict has been heavily biased in favor of Israel, often taking Israeli talking points without proper verification. Palestinians are portrayed as numbers, while Israelis are humanized and their stories highlighted. The media's failure to accurately depict the reality on the ground and hold Israel accountable contributes to the ongoing atrocities.
Flawed UN Security Council and US's Role
The US veto of the UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire reveals the flawed structure of the Security Council, with a handful of countries having veto power. The US has historically used its veto power to protect Israel's interests, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of the UN. The Biden administration's support for Israel's aggression, including bypassing Congress to send more weapons, raises questions about US credibility as a peacemaker in the region.
Israel's Failed Military Objectives
Despite Israel's military operations, it has not achieved its objectives in Gaza. The military campaign has resulted in numerous civilian casualties, destruction of essential infrastructure, and growing dissatisfaction in the international community. Rather than achieving military success, Israel's actions appear to be part of a larger strategy to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from historic Palestine.
Humiliation and Propaganda Tactics
Israel's attempts to humiliate Palestinian civilians through mass arrests, forced undressing, and propaganda tactics are further evidence of their disregard for human rights. Claims that these actions target Hamas are unfounded, as they primarily target innocent civilians. These tactics aim to control the narrative and create an illusion of victory, while further dehumanizing Palestinians.
International Response and Calls for Accountability
The international community's response to the Gaza conflict has been inadequate, with a lack of solidarity and tangible action against Israel's atrocities. Calls for reform in the UN Security Council and holding media outlets accountable for biased reporting are essential. Boycotts and pressure on companies supporting the occupation can also contribute to accountability.
Ethnic Cleansing and Enduring Conflict
The Israeli objective extends beyond military victory and aims at the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their historic homeland. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is part of a larger century-long oppression targeting Palestinians and denying their right to exist. The international community must address the deep-rooted issues and strive for a just and lasting solution.
US Complicity and Misleading Narrative
The US administration's actions and statements reveal its complicity in Israel's actions, prioritizing supporting Israel rather than protecting Palestinian lives. The misleading narrative propagated by the US and some Western media disregards the reality of the situation and undermines human rights principles. It is crucial for individuals to hold the media accountable and support outlets committed to honest reporting.
Lack of International Outrage and Future Impacts
The lack of international outrage and solidarity in response to the Gaza conflict raises concerns about the future of human rights and international norms. Efforts to reform the value system, reassess mechanisms for protecting human rights, and challenge the media's failures are crucial. The loss of credibility among governments and media outlets impacts society's trust in their commitment to human rights and justice.
Award-winning journalist Daoud Kuttab discusses Israel's intent on purging independent eyewitnesses of the ongoing Genocide and atrocities it is perpetrating in Gaza. Close to 70 days into Israel's assault on Gaza, more than 63 journalists have been killed due to Israeli bombardment and targeted killings. Several journalists had their entire families wiped out by Israel.
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