Unbalanced narratives: The Gaza genocide anniversary

KUALA LUMPUR - On the anniversary of the Gaza genocide on Monday (Oct 7), much of the Western media focused on Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza and Lebanon, with limited emphasis on the humanitarian impact on the Palestinian population.

Much of the media coverage has focused on the initial attack by Hamas on the day, reporting that approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 250 were kidnapped. Also, a newly released video by the Israeli military showing the attack has been replayed extensively.

In contrast, the broader Western media has provided comparatively minimal coverage of the devastation in Gaza, where the reported fatality count among Palestinians has exceeded 41,000 over the past year.

This lack of balanced coverage comes as no surprise, given the widespread sympathy towards Israel in much of the Western media. However, on the anniversary of the conflict, the plight of the Palestinians did receive attention from those sympathetic to the true victims of the ongoing conflict.

The reports on the fate of the Palestinians provide a thorough critique of the international community’s failure to prevent the ongoing humanitarian crisis, shining a spotlight on the devastation that continues to unfold.

Middle East Monitor published a striking commentary on how Gaza has exposed the "blatant dishonesty” of the global community.

The piece underscored the failure of Western nations to uphold international law and human rights, comparing their responses to Gaza with their actions in Ukraine.

The publication stated, "The much-vaunted values of Western society and its claims about international law, human rights, and democracy have collapsed on the sands and beaches of Gaza.”

The report also emphasised how Gaza has become a global symbol of resistance and human justice, mobilising youth across the world in their fight for freedom.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International focused on the findings of the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur, who confirmed that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the threshold of genocide.

Amnesty highlighted that the international community must act swiftly, urging third-party states to enforce arms embargoes and humanitarian aid access to prevent further atrocities.

Amnesty's Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, made it clear that "the time to act to prevent genocide is now” and criticised Israel’s refusal to comply with UN resolutions.

Similarly, Middle East Eye reflected on the strategic failings of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

The outlet described how the genocidal campaign had not only devastated Gaza but also weakened Israel’s own military deterrence.

"Genocide was the price Israel's western sponsors were prepared to pay,” the report highlighted, noting the complicity of global powers in the massacre.

Moreover, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor released a detailed report titled "De-Gaza," documenting the widespread destruction and war crimes committed in the past year.

The report calls for immediate international intervention and stresses the urgent need for accountability in addressing the violations of human rights in Gaza.

Anadolu Agency's comprehensive coverage also stands out, focusing on the devastation and the myriad forms of suffering endured by Gazans.

Their report, accessible via this link, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/1-year-of-gaza-genocide touches on the destruction of infrastructure, the humanitarian crisis, and the socio-political dynamics affecting global reactions.

The report sheds light on the lingering trauma, as well as international diplomatic responses to the crisis.

With detailed accounts of military and humanitarian failings, the agency demonstrates the extent of Gaza's ongoing devastation, stressing the need for international accountability.

In addition to written media, social media platforms were also buzzing with engagement on the topic.

On the anniversary of the Gaza genocide, people across the globe are seen taking to the streets, as shown through another social media platform, Instagram, amplifying the call for justice and freedom for the people of Palestine.

The anniversary of the Gaza genocide serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges to justice and peace in the region, with media outlets playing a critical role in documenting, analysing and keeping the conversation alive on the global stage.

As these outlets continue to highlight the atrocities, the world is reminded that the time for action is long overdue.

Monday (Oct 7) is the first anniversary since Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel and kidnapped several citizens, intensifying the already fragile situation in the region.

More than 41,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since then. - BERNAMA