Israel Arrests Thousands, Media Asks 'Why?', Dodges 'When' and 'What'
Al Jazeera's query, "Why does Israel arrest thousands of Palestinians?", emerges as if this is a novel phenomenon. The network correctly notes Israel's agreement to release prisoners as part of a ceasefire. What it sidesteps, however, is the systematic nature of these arrests, stretching back decades, often under 'administrative detention'—imprisonment without charge or trial, a practice condemned
by human rights groups. This isn't a new negotiation tactic; it's a foundational pillar of control over the occupied territories. The military court system, which often tries children, boasts a conviction rate exceeding 99% for Palestinians. So, the 'why' isn't a mystery. It's the mechanism of occupation, where resistance is criminalized, and collective punishment is routine. Meanwhile, the very
media outlets covering these "agreements" rarely scrutinize the legislative frameworks or the global silence that enables such an enduring system of mass incarceration.