Gaza conflict: Is there a "neutral" way to report on the crisis?
The International Press Institute attempts to carve out neutral ground in a highly polarized conflict.
Israel and Hamas began observing a temporary ceasefire on Tuesday that may lead to a broader deal on the Gaza Strip, including a sustainable truce.
"If we can have journalists and other people who speak about the conflict, understand that the words they use impact the way that people view the conflict and understand the conflict, and in fact that some of that language may cause people to turn away and just stop listening, then that would already be a great success."
The situation is delicate, as is the conversation surrounding it. In an attempt to encourage dialogue between the sides and their supporters, the International Press Institute recently released a glossary of "neutral" terms for reporting on the conflict.
The guide is part of a report created by three Palestinian and three Israeli journalists. Its editor, Naomi Hunt, talks to Q guest host Stephen Quinn about her group's efforts to carve out neutral ground in a highly polarized and deep-rooted conflict.
Hunt's goal with the report is for journalists and audiences alike to recognize the impact certain "loaded" words can have on how a conflict is perceived.
For instance, as an alternative to "murder" or "caught in the crossfire", they suggest the use of "kill" so as to not assume the guilt or innocence of those killing or those being killed.
Context is key
There are 21 words in the glossary for which the team of journalists could not agree on a substitution.
There are 21 words in the glossary for which the team of journalists could not agree on a substitution.
"I think what's important in those cases, is not that their use necessarily be avoided completely, but that when those words are used that the context be explained," she says.
"They should explain the sourcing of some of the language that they use so that audiences are aware of what those meanings may be loaded with."
Regardless of the challenge of finding alternative words, Hunt believes there are many ways to report on what's happening on the ground without alienating certain audiences, but the first step is just keeping the significance of language in mind.