RAMALLAH, December 31, 2024 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate said that several journalist colleagues have filed complaints with the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate against Al Jazeera Network. These complaints allege biased media coverage on its platforms, including incitement, misleading reports, and content that stirs internal discord.
Consequently, the Syndicate referred these complaints to the Ethics Committee, which conducted a professional and objective investigation over several days. The committee concluded that some published materials constitute hate speech and contain deliberate misinformation, posing a threat to Palestinian social cohesion, said the syndicate in a statement on Tuesday.
For instance, Al Jazeera used an AI-generated image depicting a rifle not used by Palestinian security forces, raising questions about the motivations behind selecting such images despite the availability of genuine photographs from events in Jenin, stressed the syndicate.
Additionally, Al Jazeera’s 360 platform broadcast dramatized scenes within a theatrical context, creating a false impression among viewers and reinforcing its inflammatory news content, it said.
“The committee believes this deliberate use reflects a lack of professionalism and a preference for incitement over objective reporting.”
The Syndicate expressed its rejection and condemnation of these violations and the blatant breach of journalistic ethics by Al Jazeera Network. The Syndicate further criticized the network’s failure to adhere to news reporting standards, causing significant harm to the internal Palestinian context.
The Syndicate affirmed that Al Jazeera’s current editorial policy promotes incitement and discord within Palestinian society. “Its coverage of events appears to serve an agenda of provocation, disregarding journalistic professionalism and fostering internal division. Furthermore, using AI-generated content to mislead the public and incite emotions is far removed from the ethical and professional standards expected of any responsible media outlet.”
The Syndicate emphasized the following points:
1. Immediate cessation of broadcasting and publishing content that promotes hatred, discord, and incitement.
2. A call for the network to adhere to responsibility and professionalism, especially in covering Palestinian affairs.
3. Reaffirming that freedom of the press is protected under Palestinian law and that the Syndicate will continue to safeguard these freedoms for all professional journalists.
4. Respect for Al Jazeera’s staff in Palestine and rejection of any harm to them or their freedoms, while urging them to abide by ethical and professional standards.
5. Pride in the national, Arab, and international media that supports Palestinian unity and champions the just cause and resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of attempts at eradication.
Finally, the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate called on all media institutions to prioritize national interests, avoid incitement and discord, and work to strengthen national unity, which remains the most robust defense against the ongoing war crimes committed by the Israeli occupation in Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied Jerusalem.
A.D./T.R.
