Opinion: 'The voices that really matter are journalists on the ground in Gaza'

In his latest opinion piece for Middle East Eye, columnist Peter Oborne argues that a recent much-criticised interview of a Palestinian politician highlights structural bias in western media. 

He writes: "No one can deny, however, that the reporters in Gaza are heroes of our trade, risking their own and their families' lives in conditions of immense hardship to tell the truth about conditions inside Gaza. To sum up: this is journalism at its most awesome, bravest, sacrificial and, above all, necessary.

"This week, however, we saw an example of journalism at its worst. Julia Hartley-Brewer, a presenter on London-based TalkTV, launched a rant against Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti, accusing him of misogyny ('not used to a woman talking') in a set of remarks that left her open to claims of racial stereotyping.

"Barghouti handled the situation with calm and courtesy, refusing to become flustered or driven off course. One would expect no less from an internationally respected Palestinian politician who has survived time in Israeli police detention and has dealt with far more dangerous and formidable opponents than Hartley-Brewer."

You can read the full column below. 

Opinion: The voices that really matter are the journalists on the ground