Media's Silence on Hamas' Crimes Against Palestinians: An Examination

[Social Media]

 

Since the onset of the current conflict between Israel and Hamas, the militant group has committed numerous atrocities against its own people in Gaza. This trend is not new, as even before the war, Hamas had effectively taken the Gaza Strip and its inhabitants hostage, routinely terrorizing them. Despite this, the crimes of Hamas are seldom reported by either Arabic or Western media, nor by global human rights organizations. These entities often portray Hamas as a legitimate resistance group aiming to "liberate" the Palestinians.

 

The lack of media coverage of Hamas's crimes against Palestinians is not due to a shortage of evidence. Many Gazans have voiced their concerns about the brutality of Hamas, which they have witnessed firsthand. Numerous videos have surfaced on social media platforms showing Gazans criticizing Hamas and blaming the group for the current disastrous situation in Gaza. 

 

There is no doubt that many civilians have been killed by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrikes, and these incidents frequently make headlines across various media channels. However, the media establishment tends to turn a blind eye to the crimes committed by Hamas against innocent Israelis and Palestinians alike, presenting a misleading, black-and-white narrative about the conflict.

 

This raises a critical question: Why is there a lack of outrage over the violence inflicted by Hamas on Gazans? If there is genuine concern for Gaza, why is there no uproar over all the violence Gazans face, including that perpetrated by Hamas?

 

The unfortunate reality is that when Israelis are not involved, there is less interest in advocating for the Palestinian rights that many claim to care about deeply. Gazans have attempted multiple times to oust Hamas from power. In 2019 and 2023, the people of Gaza organized peaceful marches against Hamas, only to be brutally assaulted by Hamas militants. During these protests, over 1,300 protestors were imprisoned by Hamas each time. 

I was among those imprisoned. I was tortured twice by Hamas because I participated in these protests. Despite our efforts, there was no media attention. No human rights organizations demanded the release of those held for months in Hamas prisons, nor did they speak out about those tortured or killed by Hamas, such as Issam Al-Saaffein, who died under torture in Hamas's jails.

 

This pattern has persisted during the current war. Since October 7, hundreds of Gazans have been killed by Hamas' failing rockets. Hamas has confiscated food, fuel, and medicine sent to Gaza, and this is not where their actions end. Thirteen-year-old Ahmad Breka was shot in the head by Hamas in Rafah while trying to collect humanitarian aid. Others were shot in the legs while attempting to grab humanitarian goods that Hamas had stolen and kept in their facilities. These inhumane acts, along with the suffering Gazans have endured since October, led many to protest once again during this war. Demonstrations took place in Khan-Younis in front of Yahya Sinwar's house and in the north, demanding that Hamas release captives and cease the war. These protesters received the same response from Hamas as before: they were fired upon.

 

Once again, the global media largely ignored these crimes. Simply trying to take some food in the midst of a war or protesting against Hamas is enough to incur severe punishment. Attempting to deliver aid to those in need or even considering playing a role in the future of Gaza can result in death. This was the fate of the Abu-Amro tribe leader and two members of his tribe, who were killed by Hamas militants. 

 

A few months ago, Hamas beheaded the head of a clan leader in northern Gaza and publicly stated, "We murdered him, and we will do so to anyone who stands against us and cooperates with Israel." Others who criticized Hamas publicly during the war were reported missing. Many Fatah members were placed under house arrest by Hamas "for security reasons," and anyone who left their home was kidnapped, as happened with Gazan Yossef Shahein. Yet the global and Arab media remained silent about these crimes.

 

Al Jazeera, which has hundreds of journalists in Gaza and several offices there, never reports on these murders. The systematic terrorism perpetrated by Hamas against major tribes in Gaza and against dissidents is intended to undermine plans for Gaza's future. These plans necessarily involve empowering civil society to manage civil affairs in Gaza after the war. Hamas aims to replicate the Taliban model, going underground and fighting from the shadows to maintain power and continue terrorizing both Israelis and Palestinians.

 

This biased journalism has severe repercussions. It has allowed Hamas to silence opposition in Gaza and has inflamed global mobs who consume Hamas' propaganda and rally in support of the terrorist group. This creates a deceptive image that all Gazans are Hamas members who wish to continue living under its authoritarian rule.

 

The tragic reality is that the suffering of Gaza's innocent civilians only seems to matter when it can be blamed on Israelis. This abandonment of Gazan civilians by the global media and human rights organizations is a horrific oversight. Their suffering deserves attention, regardless of the perpetrator. 

 

Hamza Howidy, a Palestinian from Gaza City, is an accountant and peace advocate. He has experienced firsthand the brutal actions of Hamas and continues to call for justice and genuine concern for the people of Gaza.

 

Credit: Newsweek 2024-07-02

 

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[Bkk Brian]

On 7/2/2024 at 3:30 AM, Social Media said:

Al Jazeera, which has hundreds of journalists in Gaza and several offices there, never reports on these murders. The systematic terrorism perpetrated by Hamas against major tribes in Gaza and against dissidents is intended to undermine plans for Gaza's future.

Because Al Jazeera supports the terrorists that's why.

 

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx82xx9pj5do

 

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0vewvp14zdo

 

 

https://x.com/AIPAC/status/1810278944442069287

 

https://x.com/ariel_oseran/status/1809162418926354559

 

https://x.com/ariel_oseran/status/1809162418926354559

 

Edited July 10 by Bkk Brian