Yet the media continue to uncritically quote HRW as expert spokespeople on human rights and international law. CNN’s Wolf Blizter (July 16) cited Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW, who said that “Israel’s rhetoric is all about precision attacks but attacks with no military target and many civilian deaths can hardly be considered precise.”
(Israeli minister Naftali Bennett responded correctly that HRW is nothing more than a radical left-wing political group.)
Whitson also told United Arab Emirates-based The National (July 16) that “recent documented cases in Gaza sadly fit Israel’s long record of unlawful air strikes with high civilian casualties.”
This is base demonization of Israel, from a senior member of HRW’s staff no less. Unfortunately, it is consistent with the unethical standards set by the head of the organization.
(JNS)
