Israel’s War on Journalism: A Critical Account by Chris Hedges

October 25, 2024 – General –

Veteran journalist Chris Hedges—former New York Times bureau chief and seasoned war correspondent—has sharply condemned Israel’s conduct in Gaza, labeling it “a war on journalism.” In heated essays for ScheerPost, he argues that Israeli forces have deliberately targeted Palestinian reporters and suppressed independent foreign reporting, effectively silencing the truth.

Hedges highlights alarming cases: Al Jazeera cameraman Fadi al‑Wahidi, shot in the neck by a sniper while wearing protective press gear, now lies comatose. His colleague, Shireen Abu Akleh, was also deliberately targeted. Despite visible press identifiers, both journalists became victims due to what Hedges calls an “assault on the media.” Six Palestinian journalists associated with Al Jazeera have reportedly been labeled “terrorists” by the Israeli military—a designation Hedges argues amounts to a “death sentence” when worn by frontline reporters.

He draws stark comparisons, noting the scale of violence in Gaza far exceeds his experiences in Sarajevo, El Salvador, or Bosnia during the 1990s. More journalists have been killed in Gaza than in all conflicts they experienced combined. The consequence: a vacuum of credible, on-the-ground reporting, as international reporters are excluded from the region. Embedded visits are orchestrated and tightly controlled by the military, turning foreign correspondents into “hotel room warriors” who unconsciously parrot official narratives.

Hedges argues that by branding civilian journalists as combatants, Israel effectively removes their protections under international humanitarian law and fosters an environment of impunity. This, he contends, is part of a broader effort to suppress information about civilian suffering and shield military operations from scrutiny.

Beyond targeting individuals, Israeli restrictions on media outlets—through censorship, shuttering press bureaus, and controlling journalists’ movement—are designed to monopolize the narrative. Hedges portrays these efforts as part of a political strategy: to obscure the human cost of military actions and strengthen global perception of Israeli legitimacy .

Hedges’s critique raises urgent questions about accountability. If journalists can be labeled terrorists and denied protection, what does that signal for press freedom and the public’s right to know? His warning is clear: without unfiltered journalism, democracy falters, and victims are left voiceless.

Reference –

Israel’s War on Journalism

https://scheerpost.com/2024/10/25/chris-hedges-israels-war-on-journalism/