Gaza Withdrawl

Analysis:

This story is problematic on many levels. First, the language that is used frames the story in such a way as to negate or minimize the fact that the land being “Handed over” to the Palestinians was their land to begin with. This fact is down played since there is only one reference to the 1967 War, which began the 38 year occupation of Palestinian land, an illegal occupation as stated in the United Nations Resolution 242.

Second, the only voices viewers hear are that of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and former Israeli Cabinet Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. No Arab perspectives or independent voices are heard.

Lastly, while it may be true that Ariel Sharon is now receiving death threats, this point is taken out of context. To be fair, there would have to be some mention of the historical treatment and abuse of Palestinians under the occupation.

Story:

WXMI 17 News reader – Israeli troops bracing for most certain trouble tonight. The deadline for settlers to leave Gaza has come and passed. Now the Army is waiting for sunrise to move in a force them out. Handing over the land to the Palestinians.

Reporter – Israel took this land in 1967 during the so-called 6-day war. The man who helped lead that campaign is the same man who is telling his countrymen they have got to give up their homes and get out. The land is being given back to the Palestinians.

Ariel Sharon – We are taking this step with great anguish. We can not hold on to Gaza forever.

Reporter – But Prime Minister Ariel Sharon knows many of these residents are about to leave peacefully. Some are burning their homes and cars, shouting curses at the soldiers who have come to lead them away. Their determination buoyed by outside activists who snuck into the area. They claim they are anxious to take part in a last stand if that is what it comes to. Over the next few days Israeli troops will go house to house. They say they will be gentle at first but they will result to brute force if necessary. There have already been a few dozen arrests. Those who continue to defy the evacuation orders stand to lose roughly half of the compensation they have been offered by the government. No matter they say, this isn’t about money. They don’t want Palestinians to ever live on their land.

Former Israeli Cabinet Minister Netanyahu – I think this will in all likelihood this will become a base of terror.

Reporter – That is one opinion. Others in the government hope that Israel’s withdraw will help jump start the peace process, but it is really too soon to know what will come of all this upheaval. As we understand only roughly half of the 9,000 settlers that have been told to leave have complied. Now five times that many soldiers are on the scene. They’ll spend the next three weeks clearing out the area before the empty homes are bulldozed and the land is handed back to the Palestinians.

WXMI 17 News reader – Sharon support among Israeli’s is way down tonight and he is not going anywhere without body guards surrounding him at all times. He has apparently received numerous death threats.

Total Time: 2 minutes and 2 seconds