OPINION:
Clifford May has done a tremendous service by highlighting how Hamas manipulates the press (“Reporters in Gaza have never been free,” Web, Aug. 16). But it is worth noting that the Gaza-based terrorist group isn’t alone in its efforts to shape media coverage.
Fatah, Hamas’ rival that rules the West Bank, has also sought to spread disinformation. The Palestine Liberation Organization, which is dominated by Fatah, has set out guidelines for reporters. The PLO guidance document is entitled “Key Points to Remember When Reporting on Occupied Palestine.” Among other things, it justifies anti-Jewish violence — referred to as “uprisings” — as a response to “colonization” and “occupation.”
The PLO, like Hamas, also uses intimidation and threats to prevent covering stories that would portray it in a negative light. This means the terrorist group threatens to curb or outright end the access of foreign journalists to both officials and areas — effectively limiting reporters’ ability to do their jobs. For those brave local journalists, the threats can take on a darker form.
Mere days before Mr. May’s piece appeared, Palestinian journalist Mujahid Tabanja alleged that he was beaten and interrogated by PLO apparatchiks. It is, unfortunately, an all-too-common occurrence — and one that doesn’t get either enough coverage or outrage.
SEAN DURNS
Senior research analyst
Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis
Alexandria, Virginia
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