Leaving Out Israel's Side of the Story
As Israel's incursion into Gaza continued, the headline that appeared in Wednesday's print edition left no room for doubt who was to blame for yesterday's tragic loss of civilian life, including children: "Israeli Shells Kill 40 At Gaza U.N. School - Pressure Grows for Cease-Fire With Hamas."
By contrast, the Washington Post's front-page headline included the other side of the story: "Israel Hits U.N.-Run School in Gaza - 40 Die at Shelter That Military Says Hamas Was Firing From."
The Times' actual story, by Taghreed El-Khodary and Isabel Kershner in Gaza, was more balanced, noting Israel's contention that Hamas fighters had fired mortars from the school compound. The reporters quoted dueling statistics from United Nations officials and Palestinians:
United Nations officials initially put the Jabaliya death toll at 30 and said 55 were wounded, with several in critical condition. Palestinian hospital officials said 40 people had been killed, among them 10 children and 5 women.
The Times used the higher death toll from thePalestinian officials for its headline.
