A Misleading New York Times Headline Paints a False Narrative About a Palestinian Prisoner
The Claim
A New York Times article claims Hisham Abu Hawash, accused of plotting to kill Israelis, went on a hunger strike to protest his imprisonment without trial.
Emerging story
The New York Times released an article headlined "Palestinian Prisoner’s Hunger Strike Leads to Deal for Release" about Hisham Abu Hawash, who was on a hunger strike for 141 days. The subheading reads that he was "accused of plotting to kill Israelis." Many social media users shared the article.
Misbar’s Analysis
The Misbar team investigated the claim and found it to be misleading. The New York Times (NYT) accuses and implicates Abu Hawash of plotting to kill Israelis. However, Abu Hawash was detained indefinitely in October 2020 under Israel’s “administrative detention” without a trial or charge. Abu Hawash has never been officially or formally accused of any crimes.
Under "administrative detention," suspects of militant activities can be held for up to 60 days which can be extended by court approval, without charge. The practice has been widely criticized including by various human rights groups and the United Nations and European Union.
However, 500 Palestinian prisoners being held without trial or charge in the occupied West Bank have launched a boycott of Israel's military courts.
Based on the findings, the Misbar team confirms that the headline is misleading. Abu Hawash was never charged with plotting to kill Israelis. Israeli authorities have since agreed to release him on 26 February, to which Abu Hawash agreed and ended his 141-day hunger strike.
