SWC: Human Rights Watch and Al Jazeera –“Monstrous Lies, Monstrous Liars”

December 20, 2023

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement issued on Monday that Israel is deliberately depriving Palestinians of access to food, water and other basic necessities. The use of hunger against the civilian population is a war crime, the NGO stated, calling for world leaders to act.

This blatant and false accusation was then widely spread by Al Jazeera, who has, once again, perpetuated a one-sided, misleading narrative that serves as a megaphone for Hamas’ propaganda.

“A perfect combination—Human Rights Watch (HRW) makes another lurid accusation against Israel, then Qatar’s Al Jazeera gets to spread another anti-Semitic and anti-Israel blood libel via its vast global network.  The truth, of course, is quite different. Humanitarian aid into Gaza is stolen immediately by Hamas, leaving civilians to beg, borrow or steal food. There’s footage of young Gazans confronting armed Hamas gunmen with rocks as another shipment meant for the people is stolen. Other footage shows young people throwing parts of shipments from a moving truck,” stated Rabbi Abraham Cooper, SWC Associate Dean and Global Social Action Director.

“Monstrous lies; monstrous liars. All this suffering is on Hamas, not Israel. They’re holding the hostages. They, in their thousands, carried out the October 7th massacres in southern Israel. HRW sold its soul long ago. Last month, Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) published a leaked Qatari government document claiming Qatar's regime paid 3 million euros to HRW. They know their priorities - demonize the Jewish state with libels. Depict Israel as inhuman beasts. Al Jazeera and HRW. What a team,” concluded Cooper.

For further information, please email Michele Alkin, Director of Global Communications at malkin@wiesenthal.com or Shawn Rodgers at srodgers@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).