How to Avoid Manipulation When Reading Coverage of Hamas Attacks on Israel
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Over 1,000 people have died in the Hamas militant group's attacks on Israel and in Israel's subsequent bombing of the Gaza Strip. Here's how U.S. media is covering it differently.
Preparation: Some left- and center-rated sources focused on reports that Israel was unprepared for the assault and that its authorities are scrambling to track down kidnapping victims. Right-rated sources focused less on that angle. Many across the spectrum highlighted sources who suggested Iran helped Hamas coordinate the attacks.
Attacks and Response: Many sources highlighted details of kidnappings, murders, and sexual assaults of Israelis by Hamas. Many also prominently covered Israel ordering a "complete siege" of Gaza, with some left-rated sources highlighting poverty in Gaza, the potential civilian death toll, and reports of a surge of support for Palestine across the Middle East. Some right-rated outlets focused on how the attacks may spell trouble for the Biden administration.
Militants or Terrorists? Right-rated sources usually referred to Hamas as a terror group and the attacks as terrorism. Left- and center-rated sources didn't, and instead used the term "militants."
Why the Differences?: The American left is generally more sympathetic toward Palestine and views Israel as oppressive. The American right tends to side with Israel against what they see as extremism in Gaza. Read more about this divide from our RedBlue Translator.
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