THE FULL STORY

by Menna Tallah Reda

In recent years, the world has witnessed numerous conflicts and crises that have garnered the attention of the global media. Two such instances , the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict, have highlighted the glaring double standards and selective activism of Western media outlets.

When it comes to coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, Western media outlets have been quick to condemn Russia’s aggression and support Ukrainian sovereignty. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine have been extensively covered, with headlines decrying Russian interference and violations of international law. Western leaders have been vocal in their condemnation of Russian actions, imposing sanctions, and calling for diplomatic severance.

In contrast, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian war has received markedly different treatment from Western media outlets , epitomising abject dereliction of duty and abdication of responsibility . The decades-long occupation of #Palestinian territories, the blockade of #Gaza, and the repeated military offensives against Palestinian civilians have not received the same level of condemnation or scrutiny on the pretext of mealy-mouthed excuses. The disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by Israeli security forces, the expansion of illegal settlements, and the denial of basic rights to Palestinians have often been downplayed or omitted by Western media through sordid euphemism.

The double standards in coverage are particularly evident in the way casualties are reported. When Ukrainian civilians are killed or injured in the conflict, there is a swift and strong denunciation from Western media outlets, with headlines highlighting the tragic loss of life and calling for justice. However, when Palestinian civilians are killed or maimed by Israeli airstrikes or military operations, the coverage is often more muted, with casualties being portrayed as collateral damage in a complex conflict.

To make matters worse, the language used in reporting on the two conflicts also reveals a bias in Western media coverage. Terms like “terrorist” and “militant” are frequently used to describe Palestinian fighters, while Ukrainian separatists are often referred to as “rebels” or “pro-Russian forces”. The selective activism of Western media outlets in their coverage begs critical questions about journalistic integrity and ethical standards. By prioritizing certain incidents over others and applying different standards of reporting, media outlets risk perpetuating harmful #stereotypes and narratives that can further entrench divisions and perpetuate #injustice.

Sources:
-https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/14/israeli-airstrikes-hit-gaza-hamas-rockets-target-israel
-https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26465962