Media Probe Reveals Israel Funded Ethiopian Journalists to Whitewash Genocide

Al Jazeera’s “The Listening Post” has sharpened scrutiny of foreign-sponsored media access, centering on Ethiopia, South Africa and Kenya. The segment questioned disclosure practices, editorial balance, and the framing of Gaza war coverage by journalists who joined trips funded by Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

Ethiopia As The Focal Point

The program exposed that more than 20 Ethiopian journalists traveled to Israel on fully funded visits organized by Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

The trips involved reporters & media personalities from 10 Ethiopian media organizations, with their subsequent reporting largely reflecting official Israeli narratives, while Palestinian perspectives were absent.

Artificial intelligence researcher Timnit Gebru, interviewed for the segment, said “Ethiopian journalists who traveled to Israel do not deserve the title of journalist.”

She linked the concern not only to disclosure and balance, but to broader credibility risks within Ethiopia’s media environment, which allegedly were constrained and politically pressured.

Balance, Access, And Narrative Choices

The Listening Post said coverage emphasized visits to Christian holy sites and interviews with Israeli officials, including members of the Knesset and figures associated with the ruling Likud party. It asserted that “no airtime” was allocated to Palestinian voices.

Gebru commented that journalists who interviewed Israeli civilians and authorities did not engage with representatives of Gaza’s civilian population.

We have repeatedly seen Ethiopian journalists speak about Israelis kidnapped by Hamas or about the October 7 attack. One documentary gave half its time to a young Israeli eyewitness. They did not interview a single Palestinian.

AI Researcher Timnit Gberu

Symbolism Of The Border Visit

The program referenced footage aired by Ethiopian Broadcaster EBS showing presenters traveling to the Israel-Gaza border fence.

Yonás Kebede, an EBS presenter, was quoted saying, “Israel is not only joy but also sadness… we heard stories that touch the human heart.”

The Listening Post framed the remark as emblematic of what it described as an imbalance in narrative emphasis.

Gebru argued that even without entering Gaza, journalists could have interviewed Palestinians inside Israel. She noted that “finding Palestinians in Israel is easy” and suggested that source selection reflects editorial priorities rather than logistical barriers.

South Africa And Kenya In Context

The program also recalled that three South African journalists traveled to Israel with expenses covered by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD). Following complaints, the Press Council of South Africa ruled ethical guidelines had been breached due to nondisclosure.

When questioned, Sunday Times editor Makhudu Sefara said the omission occurred because they had “forgotten.”

Trips for Kenyans

Kenya was cited through a separate example involving approximately 10 TikTok creators and Christian gospel singers who visited Israel. Kenyan legal analyst Njahira Gitahi observed that many Kenyan Christians view Israel primarily as a sacred place. She said some believe, “because Christ was born in Israel, we must stand with Israel.”

Ethics And Institutional Credibility

The program questioned the role of the Ethiopian Media Council. It noted that Tamrat Haylu, identified as a board leadership member of the council, was among journalists who traveled to Israel, which raises serous concerns about perceived independence and accountability mechanisms.

The broadcast concluded that disclosure, funding transparency, and source diversity remain central tests of journalistic credibility, particularly in conflict reporting.

According to The Listening Post, Ethiopian journalists were invited to respond to the allegations, but none agreed to appear.