Ask Haviv Anything 115: Is Nicholas Kristof right?
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May 12, 2026 A critique of a high-profile op-ed alleging systemic sexual violence in Palestinian prisons. Examination of questionable sourcing, propaganda techniques, and timing tied to political aims. Discussion of how myths spread and comparisons to past media errors. Arguments for acknowledging limited real abuses while calling for accountability and internal reforms.
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Kristof's Op-Ed Mixes Propaganda With Real Abuses
- Nick Kristof published an op-ed alleging systemic sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners, but Haviv Rettig Gur finds many claims include obvious lies and propaganda.
- Specific fabrications include dogs being trained to rape prisoners and Hamas propagandists laundered as reliable sources, while some individual abuses still occurred.
Op-Ed Timing Suggests Media Campaign
- The timing of Kristof's piece appears aimed at influencing the UN Secretary-General's potential blacklist for sexual violence.
- A major press report on Hamas sexual violence appeared a day later, suggesting coordinated media waves rather than isolated revelations.
Paper Trails Amplify Unchecked Claims
- NGOs and reports often publish striking claims that then spread without journalists deeply fact-checking them.
- Examples: a Norwegian Refugee Council report with 16 West Bank cases and earlier mass-starvation claims that later faded without scrutiny.