Washington, D.C., Aug 22: The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), America’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, on Monday questioned the continued silence of U.S. and international media about Israel’s targeting of journalists in Gaza.
CAIR’s question of US and media silence comes after Israel killed one journalist and wounded another. Ibrahim Muharab was found dead after Israeli forces reportedly targeted a group of journalists in Khan Younis on August 18. Israeli forces also wounded journalist Salma Al-Qaddoumi.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR recently called on media outlets in the United States and around the world to speak out against Israel’s mass killing of journalists after an Israeli attack hit home of Palestine TV journalist Tamim Ma’mmar, killing him and members of his family. A separate airstrike targeted the home of Al-Aqsa TV journalist Abdullah Al-Sousi, also killing him and his family.
Also Read: Death Toll of Journalists in Gaza Reaches 172 Amid Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes
In a statement, CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said:
“The shocking silence by American and international media about Israel’s targeted attacks on journalists reflects the silence of the Biden administration and other governments about the ongoing Israeli genocide, ethnic cleansing, mass destruction, and forced starvation targeting all Palestinians in Gaza. This silence must end, and mainstream media professionals must begin to treat their Palestinian colleagues as human beings, not statistics.”
He said CAIR has repeatedly called on media to speak out after Israel killed or assaulted journalists and media workers. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has documented the killing of 113 journalists and media workers in Gaza but says the real number may be higher.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
