The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has become a focal point for global media, but much of the coverage fails to address the root causes of the suffering. Instead, many outlets amplify narratives that blame Israel, while ignoring or downplaying the central role of Hamas in perpetuating the crisis and diverting humanitarian aid.
Hamas: The Real Obstacle to Aid in Gaza
According to repeated statements from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli officials, Hamas systematically seizes humanitarian aid entering Gaza, preventing it from reaching the civilian population. The IDF has released evidence showing Hamas operatives intercepting food and medical supplies, diverting them for their own use or for sale on the black market, rather than distributing them to those in need. This tactic not only deepens the suffering of ordinary Gazans but also allows Hamas to maintain control and profit from the crisis.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli spokespeople have consistently highlighted that food shortages and humanitarian suffering in Gaza are a direct result of Hamas’s actions—not Israeli policy. Netanyahu told the U.S. Congress that “Hamas is stealing the aid,” a claim supported by numerous IDF reports and videos showing armed militants looting convoys and attacking aid workers.
Media Bias: Siding With Hamas, Blaming Israel
Despite this evidence, much of the international media continues to frame the crisis as a result of Israeli actions alone. Reports frequently cite casualty figures and hardship in Gaza without acknowledging the role of Hamas in perpetuating the crisis. This one-sided coverage not only misleads global audiences but also emboldens Hamas, which relies on international sympathy and media protection to sustain its operations.
A recent analysis by the Centre for Media Monitoring found that Western media overwhelmingly promote “Israel’s right” to defend itself, but when it comes to humanitarian issues, the narrative shifts to blaming Israel for the crisis, often without context or balance5. Israeli voices and official statements are frequently marginalized or dismissed, while unverified claims from Hamas-controlled sources are reported as fact.
The Antisemitism Behind the Narrative
This persistent bias has serious consequences. By consistently blaming Israel and ignoring Hamas’s crimes, the media contributes to a global atmosphere of antisemitism. Pro-Israel voices are often vilified, and legitimate Israeli concerns about security and humanitarian access are dismissed. This double standard not only distorts the reality on the ground but also fuels hatred and division far beyond the region.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is real, but its root cause is the cynical exploitation of aid by Hamas. Global media must do better: report the facts, hold all parties accountable, and stop providing cover for terrorist organizations at the expense of truth and justice. Only then can the world hope to see an end to the suffering in Gaza and a path toward lasting peace.
