‘Found your choice of interviewee sickening’: Israel Ambassador to India blasts ‘The Hindu’ for platforming Hamas terrorist
Israel slammed ‘The Hindu’ newspaper group for giving a platform to a Hamas fundraiser and designated terrorist Moussa Abu Marzuk. Israel’s India Ambassador Naor Gilon in a two-page letter blamed ‘The Hindu’ group for unethical, irresponsible journalism for publishing Marzuk’s interview in Frontline Magazine.
“I write to express my concern and extreme disappointment regarding the recent interview with Moussa Abu Marzuk from Hamas-ISIS, featured in your publication ‘Frontline‘ on October 27. While I firmly believe in the importance of a free press and the need to provide a platform for diverse voices, I find your choice of interviewee sickening. Would Ajmal Kasab from Lashkar-e-Taiba explaining his ‘rational’ for Mumbai attacks, be considered by anyone a legitimate interview on 26/11? Would you interview Osama Bin Laden from Al-Qaeda on 9/12?,” asked the Israel Ambassador in a letter to ‘The Hindu’ Editor-in-Chief Suresh Nambath, saying “Moussa Abu Marzuk is not just a ‘controversial figure’; he is a known terrorist with gallons of Israeli blood on his hands.”
Abu Marzuk, a member of the terror organization Hamas-ISIS which has been listed as a terror organization by many countries of the world including the US, all EU members, the UK, and others – is responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent Israeli civilians since 1988. He has spent time in US prison for his actions. The decision to grant him a platform, especially in the wake of the tragic 7th of October Nazi attacks, where 1400 Israelis, including babies, women, and Holocaust survivors were tortured to death in the worst possible ways – is deeply unsettling. It is incumbent upon responsible journalism to exercise due diligence in such cases, ensuring that the voices amplified do not contribute to the promotion of violence and terror.
Israel’s Ambassador accused ‘The Hindu’ of not fact-checking the history and terror activities of Marzuk for Hamas-ISIS. Marzuk is a US-designated terrorist and was in US prison, said Gilon, accusing ‘The Hindu’ of disseminating lies of Hamas. “The lack of fact-checking and follow-up questions during the interview was appalling. The Journalist allowed Abu Marzuk to disseminate lies and false news without one challenge. In an 1806-word article, less than 100 words could be considered something other than blatant lies and defamation, by any person who knows an iota about the reality between Israel and Hamas. This is an old and known Terrorist tactic utilized by Hamas-ISIS regularly; Lie and Murder, if possible – Lie about Murder.
“While it has unfortunately become ‘normalized‘ to see social media full of fake ‘news’, the novelle practice of importing fake news into the mainstream media is extremely troubling. Not long ago it was the duty of journalists to hold their subjects accountable for their statements and their actions. To fact-check. To follow up false statements with accuracy particularly when they pertain to matters of so grave consequences. Failing to do so not only undermines the credibility of the publication it also disrespects the countless dead victims whose blood screams from the ground. susceptible readers to take more violent actions in the name of these “pseudo-facts” claimed by terrorists. We’ve had more than our share of Jews murdered for these reasons so should be taken seriously when we say: “Some words do kill”,” pointed out the Israeli Ambassador.
c. “But Moussa Abu Marzuk is not only a dangerous terrorist because we-Israel says so. He is designated by name as a terrorist by the United States, a designation that carries significant weight. BTW, as a full-time terrorist, it is very interesting that his purported net worth is around 2.5 billion dollars, despite lacking any discernible business ventures. Doesn’t this warrant a question or further investigation by any responsible journalist? Why does terrorism against Israel pay so well? Equally troubling is Abu Marzuk’s declared role as a Hamas-ISIS fundraiser. Might not the two be linked? Isn’t that a fair question? India is a member of the FATF and was seen its the presidency of the UNSC last year. Is this also not a topic worth asking about in an interview with a terror financer? How much of the funds he raises go to the development of the Palestinians he purports to lead and how much to the destruction of Israel and his own pockets?
“To sum up, while I understand the importance of presenting diverse perspectives, it is crucial to exercise discretion and diligence when it comes to individuals with a history and very active presence of terrorism, violence, and extremism. The interview with Moussa Abu Marzuk, a Hamas-ISIS mass murderer, is shameful and raises serious doubt about journalistic standards and ethical considerations. I hope, ‘The Hindu” reflects on this incident and takes measures to ensure that future interviews are conducted with the rigour and integrity that your readers deserve,” said Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon, advising ‘The Hindu’ group on conducting responsible journalism.
Israel Ambassador Naor Gilon uploaded his letter to ‘The Hindu’s Editor-in-Chief in Social Media.
My letter to the Editor-in-Chief of @the_hindu expressing my dismay for giving a platform to a #HamasISIS arch-terrorist. This is a shameful interview. pic.twitter.com/yF82UGwZxL
— Naor Gilon (@NaorGilon) October 31, 2023
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The Hindu (sic). Enough said.
Need to close the “The Hindu” newspaper for its anti-national activities & propaganda