pt.euronews.com
Israeli Unit Allegedly Manipulates Gaza Information to Justify Killings
An Israeli army unit, the "Legitimization Cell," allegedly manipulates information in Gaza to improve Israel's image internationally, demonizing Palestinian journalists and justifying their deaths; investigations reveal that 83% of Palestinians killed are civilians, with the army classifying most as "terrorists" post-mortem.
- How does the Israeli army's classification of deceased Palestinians as "terrorists" impact the reporting of civilian casualties in Gaza?
- The "Legitimization Cell" allegedly distorts information to portray journalists as combatants, using examples like Al-Jazeera reporter Anas al-Sharif, killed in an Israeli attack. Israel presented old documents claiming al-Sharif's Hamas ties since 2013 to justify his death, neglecting evidence regarding other deceased journalists. This pattern repeats with other journalists, Ismail al-Ghoul and Hamza al-Dahdouh.
- What specific actions does the Israeli "Legitimization Cell" undertake to manipulate the narrative surrounding the deaths of Palestinian journalists in Gaza?
- An investigation by +972 Magazine and Local Call revealed an Israeli army unit, the "Legitimization Cell," gathers information in Gaza to improve Israel's international image. The unit allegedly demonizes Palestinian journalists, accusing them of terrorism to justify attacks; sources say pressure exists to find flaws in journalists killed by Israel.
- What are the long-term implications of the Israeli military's alleged information manipulation strategy on international perceptions of the conflict and accountability for civilian deaths?
- This systematic effort to discredit Palestinian journalists and justify civilian deaths extends to covering up large-scale events. The investigation cites the bombing of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, where Israel presented an audio recording as evidence of a Palestinian missile strike, showcasing how classified information is declassified and used for propaganda purposes, even shared with the US. This highlights the strategic use of information to shape global narratives and mitigate international pressure.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing of the article strongly emphasizes the alleged actions of the Israeli military's "legitimization cell" and the high civilian death toll, creating a narrative that depicts Israel in a negative light. The headline and introduction focus heavily on these accusations, potentially shaping the reader's understanding of the conflict before presenting other perspectives.
Language Bias
The article uses strong language when describing Israeli actions, such as "demonize," "distort information," and "justify the murder." These terms carry strong negative connotations. More neutral alternatives could include "criticize," "reframe," and "explain." The use of the term "legitimization cell" is itself loaded, implying a deliberate effort to fabricate justifications.
Bias by Omission
The article omits details about potential actions taken by the Palestinian groups that may have contributed to the conflict, such as the launching of rockets into Israel. The lack of this context could create a biased perception of events by portraying only one side's actions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the situation as either Israel acting within international law or intentionally targeting civilians. The reality is likely far more nuanced, with both accidental civilian deaths and deliberate targeting possibly occurring. The article's presentation fails to acknowledge this complexity.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details how the Israeli army created a unit to spread misinformation and justify attacks on journalists and civilians, undermining international justice and accountability. The targeting of journalists and the high civilian casualty rate directly violate international humanitarian law and principles of peace.