Media coverage of Israel-Gaza conflict biased

Dear Editor,

I write as a concerned community member, urging our local paper to cover the unfolding tragedy in Gaza with fairness and balance. Media bias when reporting on Palestine is a grave concern. Mainstream outlets have failed to acknowledge horrific experiences lived by many within Palestinian communities, who have been calling for an end to the violence against their people (many of whom are relatives). 

Canadian outlets are providing one-sided perspectives, ignoring critical context like the apartheid designation from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty. This crisis is a continuation of the Nakba of 1948, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, including children, were expelled or massacred. 

Arab and Muslim students also feel unsafe in Canada. Families are dealing with trauma, particularly Palestinians. I condemn all violence and stress the urgency of addressing the disproportionate aggression facing Gazans, who have nothing as a result of Israel’s illegal occupation.

The Gaza Strip is often termed the world’s largest open-air prison, with 2.3 million people trapped, including 1 million children, deprived of basic necessities due to indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes. We must demand an immediate ceasefire and a humanitarian corridor to provide medical aid and relief. Addressing root causes of this issue and ending the occupation and apartheid are vital.

The call for peace knows no borders or boundaries. Every life is precious.

Safaa Zahorouski

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