By Matt Underwood ‘Al Jazeera’ worked hand in glove with Hamas, captured docs reveal – it’s something that, frankly, shouldn’t surprise anyone, particularly those who’ve followed the intricacies of Middle Eastern politics and media. The fact is, Al Jazeera, a media outlet owned by the Qatari state, has long been suspected of having a close relationship with Hamas, and now, with the revelation of captured documents, those suspicions appear to be turning into a harsh reality.
This isn’t a new development by any stretch of the imagination. Qatar, the very entity that funds Al Jazeera, has also been a known supporter of Hamas. It’s almost a given that a state-owned media organization would align its interests with those of its government. Therefore, to expect Al Jazeera to operate as a completely neutral, independent news source is, in many ways, naive. Its allegiance, whether openly declared or subtly implied, lies with its Qatari sponsors.
The perception that Al Jazeera is some sort of “anti-establishment” voice, a champion of the underdog, is a comforting illusion for some. But let’s be real, it’s not going to bite the hand that feeds it. It’s hard to imagine Al Jazeera, backed by the Qatari government, turning around and criticizing its own home government. It’s like expecting a dog to bite the hand that feeds it. Considering Qatar’s history of harboring Hamas and other groups, this symbiotic relationship between the media outlet and the militant group should be expected.
The reaction to the revelations, for many, is a resounding “So?” Anyone with even a basic understanding of the situation has likely known this for years. It’s less “breaking news” and more a confirmation of the obvious. It’s akin to learning that the sky is blue. The fact that some previously held a different view only highlights the power of misinformation, bias, and the echo chambers that pervade the internet. The revelation just confirms what many already knew: that Al Jazeera is a mouthpiece, a propaganda arm of Hamas.
The report, published by the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), based in San Diego, CA, and drawing on a report from the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, an Israeli government agency, is, of course, presented with a clear bias. Let’s be real, the source of the story itself is, in a sense, part of the story. The JNS isn’t exactly the epitome of impartiality; it’s an Israeli-affiliated news source.
This type of report can often devolve into a predictable exchange of accusations between opposing sides. Israeli propaganda versus Hamas propaganda, with the truth potentially getting lost somewhere in the middle. It’s the classic media battle where the “tail wags the dog” – a situation where the framing and spin of the news takes precedence over the actual events.
One might even sarcastically ask if a news source like JNS is truly neutral. It’s almost comical. Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite would be turning in their graves. However, it’s not about the credibility of the reporting, but about the obvious bias.
In essence, what’s presented is, the news source itself is a cherry on top. Just as in any conflict, both sides are embedded in a form of media coverage. Both Hamas and the IDF use the media to spin their version of events.
The fact that the Qatari government is involved should not be overlooked. Qatar has historically exerted authoritarian control over its media, which makes any semblance of journalistic independence highly improbable. It’s not necessarily “state-owned” in the strictest legal sense, but its operation is firmly under state control. It’s a technicality, but it’s an important one.
The political implications of all this are also worth examining. The United States has had close ties with Qatar. The irony of such alliances is often lost on those who are more concerned with their own personal feelings on political matters.