Amid escalating tensions in Jerusalem, Mustafa Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian politician and activist, has spoken out against what he calls a “biased” portrayal of the Al-Aqsa Mosque raids by Western media outlets. In a recent interview, Barghouti criticized the coverage of the recent clashes in the holy city and argued that the media’s bias is shaping public perceptions and fueling tensions on the ground. With tensions high and the situation rapidly changing, Barghouti’s views shed a much-needed light on the ongoing conflict and highlight the critical role that media plays in shaping public perceptions.
The coverage of the Israeli forces’ attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan has come under fire from Palestinian National Initiative General Secretary, Mustafa Barghouti. In an interview with Middle East Eye, Barghouti criticised the western media’s treatment of the issue, calling it “biased” and a deliberate attempt to portray Palestinians as violent. He says that the use of terms like “clashes” and “barricade” is part of a wider narrative that provides impunity to Israeli forces.
The situation in Al-Aqsa Mosque has long been a source of tension between Israel and Palestine. The mosque is located in East Jerusalem, which is illegally occupied under international law. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslim worshippers come to the mosque to pray and break their fast. However, this year, Israeli forces used force against them, leading to widespread protests and condemnation from the UN.
Barghouti argues that the term “clashes” is particularly problematic. He says that it implies a sense of equal power between the two sides, when this is not the case. The Israeli forces are heavily armed, while the Palestinians have little more than stones and Molotov cocktails. He says that by using the term “clashes,” the media is effectively condoning the Israeli forces’ actions.
Instead, Barghouti suggests that the media should use more accurate language. He suggests “attacks,” “assaults,” or “raids” as more appropriate terms. These words help to convey the reality of the situation, which is that the Israeli forces are engaging in a deliberate campaign of violence against the Palestinian people.
Barghouti also takes issue with the term “contested.” He says that this implies that there is some kind of legal dispute over the ownership of Al-Aqsa Mosque. In fact, there is no such dispute – under international law, the mosque is clearly Palestinian territory. By using the term “contested,” the media is again legitimising Israel’s illegal occupation of East Jerusalem.
Barghouti’s criticisms are part of a wider pushback against the media’s treatment of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many activists and journalists have argued that the media tends to be biased in favour of Israel, portraying Palestinians as violent and irrational. This, they say, makes it easier for Israel to justify its actions, including its ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory.
Overall, Barghouti’s comments highlight the importance of accurate reporting in conflict zones. The media has a crucial role to play in informing the public about important events around the world. However, it also has a responsibility to be fair and unbiased. By using language that is detached from reality, the media risks being complicit in violence and injustice.
