Dated: 27/January/2024
Dear Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
Dhaka
The prolonged Israel-Palestine conflict continues to exact a devastating toll, with thousands of innocent children and women falling victim to the unrelenting violence. This heartbreaking reality underscores the imperative for a collective commitment to a just resolution—especially one that upholds human dignity irrespective of religious or national background. But in the pursuit of a viable solution to the crisis, a two-state framework, which has been given emphasis many times, that respects the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians remains a cornerstone for lasting peace between the countries.
The profound human suffering in the Gaza war also demands an intensification of humanitarian efforts, addressing the immediate needs of those affected, along with putting emphasis on the resolution of Israel-Palestine conflict. But amidst this, a darker aspect of the conflict emerges in terms of the malpractice of spreading fake news. Prominent news outlets in the world have — at times — been complicit in disseminating misleading information, further complicating the situation. This misinformation not only distorts public perception but can also escalate tensions and hinder the pursuit of a just resolution of the conflict. Additionally, if international media is associated with the dissemination of fake news, either knowingly or unknowingly, the devastating consequences including the deaths of thousands of innocent lives may take place.
The malpractice of spreading fake news during the Israeli-Palestine conflict is a concerning trend that demands scrutiny. Media coverage ideally needs to be held to the highest standards of journalistic integrity, ensuring accurate and unbiased reporting. Given that false narratives contribute to a distorted understanding of the conflict, perpetuating stereotypes and deepening animosities, it is crucial for news organizations to be vigilant against the propagation of misinformation, verifying sources and providing context to ensure a more nuanced and truthful representation of the complex realities on the ground in the Israel-Palestine conflict. By fostering a culture of responsible journalism, it is definitely possible to contribute to dismantling the web of misinformation that often entangles discussions on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Transparent negotiations on pivotal issues, including borders, the status of Jerusalem, and the rights of refugees, are essential to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict. But it is incumbent upon the international community, including the United Nations and powerful nations, to resolve the Israel-Palestine crisis by ensuring adherence to international law and human rights standards. Championing ethical journalism committed to the truth or promoting accurate reporting regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict can be immensely helpful in resolving the Gaza war and the Israel-Palestine crisis.
Sincerely,
Md Maruf Hasan
PhD Candidate
Department of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion
International Islamic University Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Email: marufenglish021@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER: The views/opinions expressed are those of the LTE authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Magazine or its editorial team.
