ISTANBUL

The Government Media Office in Gaza on Friday criticized the approach of some Western media organizations, stating that it is "far from professionalism and journalistic ethics."  

In a statement, Salama Maarouf, a spokesman for the media office, expressed that "some Western media organizations have practiced journalism in a way that proves that they are far from professionalism and journalistic ethics."  

"We condemn the blind bias shown by Western media outlets regarding Israel's narrative," Maarouf said. "Since the beginning of the Israeli attacks, we have observed dozens of examples where media networks such as BBC, CNN, ABC News, Fox News, Sky News and CBS were biased in favor of Israel".

Maarouf also pointed out that "the media organizations in question greatly contributed to the marketing of Israel's claims and lies without evidence and without investigation."

Maarouf condemned "this attitude" and found it "immoral". He also called on the people of Arab and Islamic countries to boycott these media organizations.

The conflict in Gaza began when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood – a multi-pronged surprise attack on Oct. 7 that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched a relentless bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Over 8,700 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 7,326 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis. 

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi