Today, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have called for answers from Associated Press and Reuters after accusations that their journalists in the region, specifically in the Gaza Strip, knew about an impending Hamas attack and failed to report it. This comes as tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants have heated up in the weeks prior to the attack.
In a joint statement released today, lawmakers from both parties accused the news outlets of a “deafening silence” on what they called a “grave violation” of the press’s duty to report on issues of international importance in a timely manner. They went on to say that if these allegations are indeed true, it could have major implications for their credibility and ability to provide “accurate, up-to-date information on the conflict in the region.”
The statement came after Israeli security officials reported that they had uncovered evidence that journalists employed by both AP and Reuters knew of an impending attack in the early hours of the morning before it had even begun and failed to alert local authorities. These same officials also warned that any further delay in providing clear answers on the matter could lead to further erosion of trust between the region’s governments and global news organizations.
The two news outlets have yet to issue a statement regarding the accusations or the lawmakers’ demand for answers. However, it is highly likely that the matter will be discussed by both sides in the days ahead as tensions between the region’s parties continue to escalate.
