The Israeli media have\u00a0finally been allowed to partially confirm Hamas’ claim from\u00a0Sunday that it has captured an Israeli soldier. They are reporting\u00a0he is missing, presumed dead.<\/p>\n
Here are three\u00a0comments\u00a0on\u00a0the coverage.<\/p>\n
First, Oron Shaul’s capture was treated as a non-story by the western media as long as it was only Hamas saying it. Now Israel agrees he is missing, his disappearance\u00a0will be much commented on. When will we see our media treating Hamas\u00a0claims with the same seriousness \u2013 let alone,\u00a0credulousness \u2013\u00a0we do Israeli\u00a0claims?<\/p>\n
Second, the western media are echoing the Israeli media line – meaning the Israeli government line – that Shaul is “missing”. What can that possibly mean in Gaza at the moment apart from that he or his body is in Hamas’ possession? Given that Hamas had already both announced his capture and named him, the western media ought to stop slavishly following Israeli propaganda.<\/p>\n
Third, if it becomes clear\u00a0Shaul\u00a0is alive, see how many western media outlets refuse to adopt Israel’s\u00a0view\u00a0that he has been “kidnapped”.<\/p>\n