Reflection #6

This morning I read an article on JPost reporting that Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group took responsibility for rockets fired toward Ashkelon in Israel. Since Tuesday night, a total of 80 rockets were launched into this area by Hamas. Only 8 rockets were intercepted by the IDF’s Iron Dome Missile Defense System. Although Hamas took responsibility for these rockets, they claim the rockets were in response to an Israeli airstrike. After the Israeli airstrike, the IDF also launched a tank fire at targets in southern Gaza. 

Every time I read an article regarding this violent Israeli-Palestinian struggle, I cannot help but become skeptical of the sources of information. It seems to me that every article I read, there is some bias toward either nation. This article was the first one I’ve read that has given clear facts that both sides are engaging in military operations. Most news articles I have read either subliminally support Hamas’ efforts or Israel’s efforts; there is no bipartisan opinion on the matter. Of course, me being Jewish, I have found I tend to support Israel more strongly in this struggle. Nevertheless, I try not to turn a blind eye to the inhuman treatment of Palestinians. Many people I have talked to on this issue seem to have a very bias view and are too stubborn to see the opposition’s side, whoever that maybe. 

I think the media is to blame for this. Like I said before, many newspapers and news shows tend to have a bias regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, making it sometimes difficult to figure out if the information we are given is actually factual. I think JPOST, even though it is a Jewish newspaper and website, did a great job in leaving out a bias regarding this issue. I have seen countless images of cruel and inhuman treatment of Palestinians and Israelis, and for me, it seems hard to distinguish which one is true. Of course both of them could be true, considering both sides are in a constant violent struggle. However, the media likes to create drama, and tends to exaggerate the truth in order to raise interest in their stories, especially ones involving violence.