AP Photo/Adel Hana, File
Politico received a bevy of criticism Wednesday for how it covered Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the brutal October 7th attack, taking over Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Politico’s National Security Daily round-up on Tuesday evening was titled, “Fatigue and frustration could hinder Israel’s attack response,” and primarily focused on the looming Iranian attack on Israel. However, toward the end of the roundup under the sub-headline “Transitions,” the report read:
— YAHYA SINWAR will assume leadership of Hamas in the wake of Haniyeh’s assassination, the militant group announced today. Sinwar previously led Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas, of course, is designated by the U.S. and many other countries as a terrorist organization for its intentional targeting of civilians and Sinwar has long been considered one of the group’s most extreme and violent members. CNN’s Andrew Kaczynski screenshotted the article and shared it online with the caption, “POLITICO writes about this guy taking over Hamas like he got a promotion in the lobby shop at Covington.”
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The JTA’s Ron Kampeas joked, “But does he get a birthday shout out?” – referring to the birthday announcements in the daily Politico Playbook.
Wednesday’s Politico Playbook also covered the news of Sinwar taking over Hamas, writing, “Meanwhile, YAHYA SINWAR was elevated to become Hamas’ political leader, a step up for the Gaza chieftain accused of leading the Oct. 7 attack that killed nearly 1,200 people. Secretary of State ANTONY BLINKEN said the change just confirms that the decision on whether to come to a cease-fire deal really is in Sinwar’s hands, per Bloomberg.”
Below are some additional replies to Politico’s initial report on Sinwar:
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