A report released by IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) included faulty and inaccurate numbers as far as the percentage of civilian deaths on the hands of the Israeli army. Many agencies and newspapers irresponsibly quoted these figures which were not double checked or mentioned along with Palestinian figures from Palestinian sources, organizations, news agencies or even figures from international human rights organizations and observers.

The Israeli IDF is an occupation army and is not interested in sharing information which goes against the values of democracy, international law and norms. The Israeli army has prevented journalists from reporting through applying restrictions on movement of the Press. There have been incidents in which journalists were shot at and killed by the Israeli troops. The first worldwide press freedom index ranked Israel as 92nd in press freedom due to IDF restrictions which crippled the media coverage.

The IDF is not a credible source of information and the numbers provided by them should not be irresponsibly quoted without offering alternative numbers from Palestinian, Israeli or international organizations which monitor the facts and figures.

Here are the numbers MIFTAH has collected from Human Rights Organizations: The total number of deaths amongst Palestinians in the conflict since September 2000 has reached 2183. 1656, more than 75%, of those killed by Israeli forces, are innocent civilians: 429 of them children and 114 women. 300 armed Palestinian fighters and 119 suicide bombers make up 19% of the dead. 57 Palestinians died as a result of being burnt or denied medical attention. 51 were killed in unclear circumstances to make up 5% of total deaths in Palestine.

MIFTAH urges the media to play a responsible role especially when citing the Israeli occupation armies’ findings and statistics, to better inform the viewers/readers. In pursuit of fair coverage, questioning the credibility of shady sources or providing a contradictory alternative source must be a priority.

www.miftah.org