Activists Alleged Abuse, Mainstream Media Alleged 'He Said, We Said'
Activists on the Gaza aid flotilla recount being forcibly removed, blindfolded, and subjected to electrical shocks and other humiliations at the hands of Israeli soldiers, according to The Independent . The publication carefully uses the word 'allege,' as if these are novel accusations. Yet, in 2010, the UN's Palmer Report found that Israeli forces used 'unnecessary, disproportionate, and
excessive force' against the Mavi Marmara flotilla. These 'allegations' are part of a consistent pattern of state violence against those attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, now under a blockade often described as 'torture' by human rights experts. Instead of investigating the consistency of these 'allegations,' the focus remains on the 'he said/they said' narrative. One might wonder if
The Independent applies the same linguistic caution to official government statements regarding 'self-defense.' The continued impunity for such actions, despite repeated incidents, suggests a deliberate normalization of violence against those challenging the status quo in Gaza.