The New York Times is under fire for publishing an op-ed written by Yahya Sarraj, the Hamas-backed mayor of Gaza City.
The op-ed discusses the situation in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group. Sarraj is critical of the actions of the Israeli military, particularly after its invasion of the Gaza Strip on October 27th, in retaliation for the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7th.
According to Sarraj, more than 20,000 people have died in Gaza since Israel began its counterattack. The op-ed accuses the Israeli military of not only destroying the physical infrastructure of the city but also “pulverizing” Gaza’s cultural riches and municipal institutions. Sarraj laments the loss of the Gazan culture, including the destruction of the city’s zoo, main public library, Children’s Happiness Center, and more.
Moreover, the op-ed criticizes Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which is said to unfairly affect the Palestinian population. Sarraj asks why the Israeli military destroyed so many trees, electricity poles, cars, and water mains, and why they would hit a U.N. school. Sarraj accuses Israel of “destroying life” in Gaza and perpetrating a horrific campaign of destruction and death.
The publication of the op-ed has sparked backlash from conservatives online, who have criticized the New York Times for amplifying the voice of a highly ranked Hamas member. The op-ed by Sarraj has even been compared to a previous op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton that caused controversy. In the wake of the backlash, the New York Times faces questions about their editorial decisions and their willingness to give space to voices associated with groups like Hamas.
The op-ed by the Hamas-backed mayor of Gaza City offers a unique perspective on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. While some argue that The New York Times should not have given a platform to such a controversial figure, others suggest that free speech and a diversity of opinions are essential to a healthy democracy.