AFP Undermines It Own Misleading Gaza Narrative
David Lange
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In a report about how hard life is for Gaza’s women because of Israel, AFP mentions the poverty they endure:
Umm Saeed said she spends all of her disposable income at the cafe, amounting to around 15 shekels ($4.50) a day.
But with Gaza’s unemployment rate hitting 47 percent last year, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, such outings are an unaffordable luxury for many.
At Al-Shati refugee camp, which overlooks the sea, Faten Abdul Rahman instead sits outside with her daughters and neighbours.
“The majority of women in the camp gather together at the door of their homes because of the poor economic situation,” said Rahman, who relies on social welfare to support her seven children.
But in the very same story…
For some women, sports such as horse riding are on offer each evening.
At a club southwest of Gaza City, 22-year-old Menna Kahil is feeding her horse Ripple.
Same energy:
Is the AFP so out of touch with reality that they do not realize how they have undermined the very picture they are trying to paint?
Also, while Israel is painted as the villain of the piece, it is clear from the report Hamas and other Islamists in Gaza are making life extremely difficult for these women – even though AFP does not mention it:
“There’s a lack of options in Gaza; leaving the house (makes us) feel that we’re human,” said the 43-year-old, who sometimes faces criticism for getting home after midnight.
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Despite riding for a decade, Kahil said she still comes under pressure over her chosen hobby.
“I face a lot of criticism because I’m not veiled when I ride my horse at the sea,” she said.
Update: As if on cue
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David Lange
