Back in October 2023, amidst the early days of the Israel-Hamas conflict, CNN found itself in hot water after reporting that an Israel Defense Forces’ rocket struck a hospital in Gaza, causing massive casualties. The initial report stated:
“A school and a hospital in Gaza were among the places lethally blasted by Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday as humanitarian concerns mount over ongoing deprivation of food, fuel, and electricity to the isolated population,” the report initially read.
The story quoted the Palestinian Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, asserting that the strike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital likely killed hundreds. CNN later issued a correction, admitting that an Islamic Jihad misfire was responsible. Intelligence officials later clarified that the number of casualties was much less than reported.
Fast forward to March 2025, and CNN seems to have repeated its missteps:
More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since start of Israel-Hamas war, health ministry in the territory says
— CNN (@CNN)
March 23, 2025
The report recounted claims from the Gaza Health Ministry about the death toll, without distinction between civilians and fighters, suggesting the majority of deaths were women and children. Yet, once again, the information was sourced from a ministry controlled by a terrorist organization.
You did the meme
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate)
March 24, 2025
Criticism of CNN’s reporting was swift. Utah Senator Mike Lee and others highlighted the network’s failure to maintain rigorous journalistic standards:
CNN’s source is a purveyor of violent terrorism—one that has unapologetically massacred innocent men, women, and children
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee)
March 24, 2025
Further accusations of spreading Hamas propaganda arose:
-
CNN pushing Hamas propaganda.
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby)
March 23, 2025 -
More than 50,000 lies repeated by @CNN authored by the same people who committed #Oct7Massacre & are holding / killing hostages. We need @FCC or hearings to go after lying cable news.
— William Rapfogel (@WRapfogel)
March 23, 2025 -
I prefer when they use the word “eleventy” in the headline. It makes it more believable.
— TheLastRefuge (@TheLastRefuge2)
March 23, 2025
Despite the IDF pointing out inconsistencies in the health ministry’s figures, CNN continued to echo their claims. The IDF noted the ministry often includes natural deaths to inflate numbers. It seems CNN has yet to learn from past errors, repeating the same misleading narratives. Quite the display of journalistic oversight!
