Assal Rad Accuses US Media of Legitimizing Israel’s War in Gaza and Attacks on Journalists

American historian Assal Rad has accused US media of endorsing what she describes as Israel’s genocide in Gaza, arguing that its coverage has helped legitimize Israeli actions and the targeting of Palestinian journalists.

Rad’s criticism centers on the way American news coverage has repeated the Israeli narrative of the war. In her assessment, that framing has lent legitimacy to Israel’s conduct rather than subjecting it to scrutiny.

She also pointed to headlines that avoid identifying Israel as the actor responsible for events in Gaza. Her argument is that such wording obscures responsibility, shaping how readers understand the violence.

Rad linked those editorial choices to the treatment of journalists in Gaza, contending that the coverage has helped legitimize their targeting. Her criticism casts headline language and narrative framing as consequential decisions, not merely matters of style.