Gazans Mourn Journalists, Media Obscures the 'Collateral Damage' of Truth
📰 THE STORY: Al-Monitor reports on Gazans paying homage to three Palestinian journalists killed by an Israeli strike near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, one of whom was an AFP contributor. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted "suspects" operating a drone. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: Since 2000, over 100 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli
forces. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported that 97 Palestinian journalists were killed between 2000 and 2022. Post-October 7, 2023, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) documented at least 108 journalists and media workers killed, 103 of them Palestinian, in Gaza as of June 18, 2024. These are not 'accidents'; they are part of a consistent pattern. Double Standard:
When Russian forces have killed journalists, Western media universally condemns it as a direct attack on press freedom and often implicates the state. For instance, the killing of AP photojournalist Mstyslav Chernov in Ukraine would instantly be framed as a war crime. Yet, Israeli killings of journalists, even those wearing clear 'PRESS' vests, are routinely framed by Western outlets with Israeli
military claims of 'suspects' or 'unintended targets,' implying justification or mitigating guilt. The focus shifts from the victim to Israel's narrative. Follow the Money: The US provides over $3.8 billion annually in military aid to Israel, precisely the type of funding that underwrites the weaponry and operational capacity. This aid, approved by Congress and supported by powerful lobbying