The “Palestinian” Islamic terror group Hamas presented an award on Wednesday to the Qatar-based network Al-Jazeera for the “high professionalism” it displayed in its anti-Israel news coverage during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, which fired thousands of rockets at the innocent Israeli populace.
In a paid visit to Gaza’s current Al-Jazeera bureau, Hamas deputy chairman Khalil al-Hayya presented a certificate of appreciation honoring the network’s “affiliation” with and support of the Palestinians and their cause.
“The Qatari channel Al-Jazeera worked with high professionalism during its coverage of the ‘Sword of Jerusalem’ [11-day] battle and demonstrated its affiliation with the cause of the oppressed Palestinian people,” al-Hayya wrote in a statement on the Hamas website. “We are proud of Al-Jazeera’s active crews, who proved to be the knights of word and sacrifice while covering the events. What distinguishes the Palestinian journalist is that he has a national message. We were seeing a high level of nationalism and a national tone during Al-Jazeera coverage.”
“That a major media outlet has accepted an award for its news coverage from a designated terrorist group should raise alarm bells among all who are concerned about freedom of the press,” American Jewish Committee (AJC) managing director Avi Mayer told Fox News on Friday.
“When a terror organization like Hamas praises your ‘professionalism’ and ‘nationalistic coverage and commitment’ of the recent fighting, you’re probably not in the business of journalism,” wrote International Spokesperson of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Jonathan Conricus.
“Hamas at least is open and honest about its genocidal agenda,” tweeted the Simon Wiesenthal Center.