Over the last year, Israel has faced widespread ridicule. Legacy media is to blame for much of this, with comments that are disrespectful or inaccurate. ABC News faces backlash over the language used in reporting the deaths of Israeli hostages, as critics accuse the network of downplaying the severity of the killings. Public figures, including Nikki Haley, condemned the network’s choice of words.
ABC News Under Fire for Controversial Reporting
ABC News has found itself at the center of a heated controversy over its coverage of the tragic deaths of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The network’s decision to describe the victims as “deceased” instead of “murdered” has sparked outrage among viewers, politicians, and media critics alike. This choice of words has been interpreted by many as an attempt to soften the brutal reality of the hostages’ deaths, leading to accusations that ABC News is failing to accurately portray the severity and barbarity of the events in Gaza.
The controversy erupted following an ABC News social media post regarding the release of hostages by Hamas. Senator Mike Lee was among the first to criticize the network, pointedly asking, “Do you mean’murdered,’ @ABC?” This sentiment was echoed by many others who felt that the term “deceased” was inadequate to describe the violent circumstances of the hostages’ deaths.
Dear ABC News:
Delete your account. Delete your newsroom. Delete your existence. That is all.My latest for @TwitchyTeam…
Disgraced ABC News Reports That Hamas Will Release 'Deceased' Hostages, Including Murdered Babieshttps://t.co/OeLxRMCe8W
— Grateful Calvin (@shoveitjack) February 18, 2025
Political Figures Weigh In
Former South Carolina governor and presidential candidate Nikki Haley added her voice to the chorus of criticism, emphasizing the importance of accurate language in reporting such sensitive issues. Haley’s statement underscored the growing concern over media representation of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“Shame on any media outlet that can’t call this what it is, murder.” – Nikki Haley
The backlash against ABC News highlights a broader debate about media responsibility in conflict reporting. Critics argue that by avoiding terms like “murder,” news outlets risk minimizing the tragic impact of these killings and the harrowing conditions under which the hostages perished.
You must be shitting me! “Deceased”? WTAF is wrong with you @ABC. When Islamic terrorists release bodies that are unalive, why can’t you call it what it is: “murdered hostages”.
I have no idea what’s destroying you from within but you should be utterly disgusted and shamed of… https://t.co/ocVgJ5zoSE
— Hashem (@HashemAllMighty) February 18, 2025
Ongoing Hostage Situation
Amidst this controversy, the hostage situation in Gaza continues to evolve. Hamas has announced plans to release six more hostages on Saturday, along with the bodies of four deceased hostages on Thursday. This development is part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement that has seen the release of 369 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages.
The situation remains tense, with Hamas accusing Israel of delaying negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, Qatar has criticized the use of humanitarian aid as a negotiation tool, calling for full aid entry into Gaza.
Tragic Incidents and Ongoing Conflict
The controversy surrounding ABC News’s reporting comes in the wake of other tragic incidents in the region. On December 15, 2023, three Israeli hostages were mistakenly shot by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops in Gaza City. The IDF acknowledged this as a grave error, describing it as “against the rules of engagement.” This incident has further complicated the already complex situation in Gaza and intensified scrutiny of media coverage.
As the conflict continues and hostage negotiations proceed, the media’s role in accurately and sensitively reporting these events remains under intense scrutiny. The backlash against ABC News serves as a stark reminder of the power of language in shaping public perception of international conflicts and the responsibility that comes with reporting on such sensitive issues.
