Israeli Ministries Boycott Haaretz Over Controversial Remarks
The Israeli Interior and Culture Ministries have announced a boycott of Haaretz newspaper following its owner, Amos Schocken's, controversial statement referring to Palestinians as "freedom fighters." This decision comes in the wake of heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the Israeli government has been criticized for its military actions. The Interior Ministry ordered an immediate cessation of cooperation with Haaretz, which was reported by Israel Hayom. Schocken later clarified his remarks during a press conference in London, stating, "Hamas is not a freedom fighter" and condemned the use of terrorism, emphasizing that his comments reflected his personal views rather than the newspaper's stance.
The Ministry of Culture echoed this sentiment, announcing it would halt all advertisements and collaborations with Haaretz. Schocken has been vocal in his criticism of the Israeli government, describing its policies as leading to a brutal apartheid regime and calling for international sanctions against Israel. He characterized the situation in Gaza as a second Nakba, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis that has unfolded since the onset of military actions.
Haaretz's Editorial on Ethnic Cleansing Allegations
In a recent editorial, Haaretz raised alarms about the potential for ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have been conducting extensive military operations. The newspaper criticized the blockade of humanitarian aid, stating that it has resulted in the starvation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Haaretz's editorial emphasized that the ongoing military actions have led to significant casualties, with reports indicating that over 144,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded, many of whom are women and children.
The editorial warned that if the situation continues unchecked, it could lead to the displacement of entire communities, leaving a lasting moral and legal stain on the conscience of Israelis. Since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military has intensified its operations in Gaza, prompting accusations of genocide and widespread destruction. The humanitarian crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with thousands reported missing and critical aid being obstructed by military actions.
