CNN host Christiane Amanpour released a statement saying that she regretted saying that the Israeli hostages released on Monday were treated better than Gazans. Her comments, made during a live broadcast on ‘CNN News Central,’ sparked immediate backlash, leading her to issue an official apology on her CNN show ‘Aman, pour.’
In her statement, Amanpour acknowledged the physical and mental torture the hostages endured for approximately two years but argued that they were potentially treated better than Gazans because Hamas was using them as ‘leverage.’ She acknowledged the physical and mental torture the hostages endured for approximately two years but argued that they were potentially treated better than Gazans because Hamas was using them as ‘leverage.’
The comments were met with swift criticism from various quarters, with many condemning the comparison as insensitive and politically motivated. Amanpour has faced backlash for her coverage of the Israel-Hamas war in the past, including a previous remark where she claimed that the ‘rest of the world’ agreed with the Queen of Jordan’s statement on a ‘double standard’ in support for Israeli citizens but not Palestinians.
Hamas released all 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel. They arrived in Israel on Monday, where they will undergo medical checks after 738 days in captivity. The release marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict and is seen as a victory for Israel.
Amanpour’s apology came after a barrage of criticism, and she reiterated her commitment to reporting the truth while expressing her condolences for the suffering of both the hostages and the people of Gaza. Her comments have sparked a broader debate on media responsibility and the nuances of conflict reporting.