We are deeply concerned about the irresponsibility of HonestReporting in publishing such damaging accusations. Its executive director has accepted that there is no evidence to support the incendiary insinuations in the report. The baseless speculation in HonestReporting’s post, presented as “raising ethical questions,” has posed grave risks to journalists in the region, including those working for Reuters.
The Israeli government and others amplified HonestReporting’s baseless speculation. HonestReporting must take responsibility for the spread of misinformation it has triggered, and for the risk and reputational harm its inflammatory claims have caused to journalists reporting on this conflict.
It is the job of journalists to document important news as it unfolds and to provide a first-hand account of events on the ground. This is the essential role of a free press in war zones, and we remain fully committed to providing this coverage both from Israel and Gaza as the conflict continues. Reuters publishes fact-based news fairly, accurately and independently—in keeping with the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles—in the Middle East and around the world.
Media contact:
Heather Carpenter
heather.carpenter @ tr.com