Ben Hubbard, a long-time Middle East correspondent for the New York Times, and Karen DeYoung, a longtime reporter and foreign affairs editor for the Washington Post, are known for their high journalistic standards. However, they and their editors have repeatedly failed to accurately represent the death toll in Gaza, often citing the Hamas claim of 67,000 deaths since October 2023. Independent estimates suggest the true number is likely around 600,000.
Unlike Israeli and American cultures, which typically do not undercount civilian casualties in conflicts, Hamas presents its casualty figures as a measure of both its failure to protect its people and the strength of Israeli military power. Despite this, both Hubbard and DeYoung are aware of the scale of destruction in Gaza, including the daily bombardment and the blockade of essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, and electricity. These conditions have led to widespread condemnation from human rights groups and international organizations.
Journalists and editors have access to more accurate casualty estimates from reputable sources such as The Lancet, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and the United Nations World Food Programme. They also know of expert analyses, such as those by Professor Emeritus Paul Rogers of the University of Bradford, who estimated that the equivalent of six Hiroshima atomic bombs has been dropped on Gaza. Despite this knowledge, mainstream media outlets have largely avoided reporting the higher casualty numbers, often due to fears of being accused of fabricating information.
Some journalists acknowledge that the real count is much higher but struggle to find a credible alternative figure. Experts like Dr. Andrew Mack of Edinburgh University or MIT Professor Emeritus Theodore Postol have suggested that the death toll could be as high as 200,000 to 400,000. At a minimum, journalists could at least state that the real count may be significantly higher than the figures provided by Hamas.
The failure to report the full extent of the tragedy undermines public understanding and weakens the pressure for accountability. For example, a recent article by Ben Hubbard stated that one in every 34 Gazans had been killed, implying that 97 out of 100 were still alive—a claim that contradicts the reality of mass casualties and the lack of basic resources.
While some Israeli journalists, such as Gideon Levy of Haaretz, argue that even the Hamas figures meet the threshold of genocide, the difference between 67,000 and 600,000 deaths has significant moral, political, and diplomatic implications. Historical examples show how underreporting can obscure the true scale of atrocities, making it harder to hold perpetrators accountable.
Despite the efforts of reporters like DeYoung and Hubbard, editorial policies at major publications have not kept pace with the growing evidence of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The influence of powerful lobbying groups, such as AIPAC, continues to shape editorial content, limiting the scope of critical coverage.
Meanwhile, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in late September highlighted stark global contrasts. US President Donald Trump’s speech was marked by provocative rhetoric, including claims about climate change and immigration. In contrast, leaders from Colombia, Brazil, and Chile emphasized democracy, humanism, and climate action. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan opposition, led by María Corina Machado, used the UNGA to seek international support for regime change against President Nicolás Maduro.
Machado, a far-right figure with close ties to the US, has long advocated for economic and political alignment with American interests. Her rhetoric, echoed by the Trump administration, has helped justify military interventions and sanctions against Venezuela. Despite her claims, many of these narratives are rooted in American geopolitical and economic interests rather than genuine democratic principles.
The opposition’s portrayal of Maduro as a “narco-terrorist” and “illegitimate leader” has been widely criticized as misleading. It reflects a broader pattern of using fear and misinformation to justify intervention. This approach mirrors past US strategies in Latin America, where similar tactics were used to justify military actions.
The Trump administration’s designation of Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group and its targeting of Venezuelan migrants have further complicated the situation. These actions, supported by figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have contributed to a climate of hostility toward Venezuela. However, the underlying motives—such as securing access to oil and gas reserves—are often obscured by the rhetoric of fighting drug trafficking and promoting democracy.
The broader issue is the erosion of constitutional rights, particularly the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Recent actions, such as the militarized raids by ICE in Chicago, have raised serious concerns about the violation of civil liberties. These incidents reflect a growing trend of executive overreach, undermining the principles of due process and individual rights.
In Gaza, the ceasefire appears to be driven by Israel’s calculation that it has reached its target of 50 Palestinian deaths for every Israeli fatality. However, the true death toll is likely much higher, including those who have died from lack of medical care, starvation, and other critical shortages. The genocide in Gaza is part of a long-standing pattern of colonial-settler violence, justified by historical and religious narratives that date back to the Old Testament.
The Israeli government’s refusal to accept a two-state solution, as evidenced by its overwhelming rejection of the idea in the Knesset, underscores the deep-rooted nature of its occupation. Despite global pressure and growing recognition of Palestine, Israel remains committed to its expansionist agenda. The UN General Assembly’s endorsement of the two-state solution offers a crucial opportunity to advance the cause of peace and justice.
Ultimately, the path to a lasting resolution requires sustained international pressure, a commitment to human rights, and a rejection of the cycles of violence and occupation that have defined the region for decades.
English 
Arabic