Stark variance in coverage of IDF flotilla probe

Just Journalism
13 July '10

British reporting of the findings of an IDF probe into the events on the Mavi Marmara on 31 May reflected the trends revealed in Just Journalism’s comprehensive report, ‘Gaza flotilla raid: Media presentation of Israeli video evidence,’ which illustrated tendencies in some publications to downplay evidence which supported Israel’s version of events.

The main findings of Maj. Gen. (res. ) Giora Eiland's internal military probe, which were made public yesterday - although the full 100-page report was not released - focused on intelligence gathering, alternative planning and the execution of the raid, admitting ‘mistakes’ but not ‘failures’.

Eiland praised the conduct of the commandos who had boarded the ship, citing:

‘the very professional and courageous way that the Israeli commandos behaved on this ship because they found themselves in a real immediate danger to their lives.’

He pointedly stated that this aspect ‘should be emphasised’ and immediately proceeded to reveal that the probe had concluded the following:

- At least four instances of passengers shooting at soldiers
- One instance of a commando being shot with a non-IDF gun
- Passengers firing the first shots

All of these claims – which had represented the main points of focus for much of the media reporting - were strenuously denied by passengers and their supporters in the aftermath of the raid. However, despite the fact that the report largely exonerated the commandos from wrongdoing, The Guardian and The Independent did not give this aspect prominence.

(Read full report)

If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.
.