Students at Columbia University in New York showed solidarity with Palestine by occupying Hamilton Hall on 29 April, renaming it ‘Hind’s Hall’ in memory of six-year-old Hind Rajab, killed in Gaza by the Israeli army. Despite denial, investigations by Al Jazeera and The Washington Post confirmed IDF involvement in the tragedy.
Media outlets, like the BBC, often failed to attribute responsibility to Israeli forces, using passive voice in their reporting. The lack of follow-up and accountability by leading UK news organizations, like the Guardian and BBC, is concerning. While some developments were reported, the mainstream media remained mostly silent.
The Columbia student protest reignited interest in Hind’s story, prompting some outlets to briefly acknowledge Israeli involvement. The lack of accountability in reporting on Palestinian lives reflects a broader dehumanization issue in mainstream media coverage of Gaza.
We must not forget or ignore these injustices. It is crucial for journalism to hold accountable those responsible for such tragedies and not shy away from the uncomfortable truths that may upset governments.