MEDIAWATCH: No RNZ – Israel illegally kidnapped Kiwis
How the media describes an event often matters as much as the event itself — and RNZ’s framing of Israeli forces intercepting a flotilla carrying Kiwis is raising serious questions about whose language gets softened, and why.
Well, this is awkward.
Is RNZ following the BBC’s lead that when it comes to reporting on Israel, only the most timid of headlines are allowed?
I’m pretty certain the six Kiwis were kidnapped illegally in International Waters, not ‘caught up’ by the IDF.
This constant watering down of criticism of Israeli actions is remarkable from the mainstream media.
How RNZ framed the flotilla incident
Crew on the Greenpeace International vessel Arctic Sunrise report that vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla have been boarded and harassed by Israeli forces in international waters 45 nautical miles west of the Greek island Kythira and 600 nautical miles from Gaza.
A radio warning was received by the Global Sumud vessels at 18:43 UTC (21:43 local time) on the general international channel (16), with the sender identifying themselves as the Israeli Navy and demanding that the flotilla change course. This was followed by jamming communication channels, which meant putting the fleet at risk in open sea. Jamming included VHF maritime emergency SOS communication, VHF channels for flotilla coordination, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Iridium bands. At the time of writing, all communication is lost with several flotilla vessels.
By 03:47 UTC, we have confirmation that multiple vessels of the flotilla have been illegally boarded by Israeli forces and have since lost contact.
What happened in international waters
The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international movement of coordinated, nonviolent action, sailing to end Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza, confront the complicity that enables occupation, and stand with the Palestinian people. With the Arctic Sunrise, Greenpeace has been providing logistical support.
Greenpeace is calling on all governments to act with urgency to uphold international law and ensure the protection of the Global Sumud Flotilla with concrete steps to ensure its safe passage to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Pujarini Sen, Project Lead on board the Arctic Sunrise said: “Greenpeace stands in solidarity with the people of Gaza and with the many brave individuals risking their freedom and safety aboard the flotilla. Humanitarian assistance must be respected and protected at all times and at all costs.”
“We renew our call on world leaders to take concrete and immediate action in the face of the genocide being inflicted by Israel on the people of Gaza. The international community’s ongoing failure to enforce international law leaves it culpable for Israel’s actions.
The Israeli government continues to enforce a full blockade by land and sea of aid and food from international organisations. Blocking aid and targeting those who attempt to deliver it are violations of international humanitarian law.”
RNZ
The Israelis illegally boarded and seized in International Waters a flotilla trying to draw attention and aid to the merciless ongoing collective punishment of the Palestinians.
Aside from committing war crimes so extreme they reach Genocide thresholds in Gaza, they are also ratcheting up settler violence in the West Bank and exporting Gaza level infrastructure destruction into Lebanon while starting an illegal war in Iran that is pushing the global economy into recession.
You won’t ever hear that at RNZ.
Fuck RNZ, there’s no “both siding” on this matter.
Waiting for Winston to make a statement on the Law of the Sea and freedom of navigation?
“You’re NOT in a priority queue”.
Paddy will be along shortly to tell us its fine and we definitely shouldn’t pay attention to the fact the Israelis are training dogs to rape detainees.
https://www.btselem.org/publications/202601_living_hell
And Paddy will tell us its fine to attack nuns and give them a kicking when you’ve got them on the ground.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/360973242/israeli-police-arrest-man-suspected-attacking-nun-nea
Why have we not expelled the Israeli ambassador?
We all keep saying it but it’s like banging your head on a brick wall! Our feeble, weak media [like our PM] is worse than useless. They are bought and paid for by the affluent [or if you prefer, the effluent]. NZ has to challenge Israel for illegally kidnapping our Kiwis in international waters and it’s not the first time!!!! Do only a few media have the gumption to inform us all, or are they muzzled by their editors? FGS NZ wake up. Israel and the USA are vile, toxic and self-gratifying regimes. If our media can’t do any better, best they back out now. Shame on them!