Hanan Ashrawi, the Palestinian spokeswoman widely lauded in the West as a voice for peace and moderation, has endorsed the murder of Israeli soldiers and civilian settlers, stating that "the army of occupation and the settlers have become legitimate and select targets of Palestinian resistance." (AP, November 15, 2000)
Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and spokeswoman for the Palestinians, frequently appears on American television and radio. She makes an emotional case in a rapid-fire, filibuster style of expression that flouts historical fact and present reality. All too often, her interviewers are unequipped or unwilling to challenge the barrage of inaccurate and distorted statements.
Starting from false premises, journalists have routinely portrayed Israel both as the instigator of the violence, and as obligated to make concessions in order to stop the violence.