Israel’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the NYT article, describing it as one of the worst modern examples of a “blood libel.”
By Shula Rosen
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) sharply criticized The New York Times over a guest essay by columnist Nicholas Kristof alleging sexual abuse and violence against Palestinian detainees, accusing the newspaper of promoting unverified claims and exhibiting anti-Israel bias.
Gottheimer reacted on social media after the publication of Kristof’s op-ed, which detailed allegations of abuse involving Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
The congressman questioned the credibility of the sources cited in the piece and accused the newspaper of relying on individuals connected to Hamas.
“WTF @nytimes!” Gottheimer wrote, adding that the publication appeared to be relying on Hamas-linked sources.
He further suggested that the newspaper was operating on “Hamas’ payroll” by publishing the column.
Gottheimer also argued that the article failed to address what he described as “the systematic sexual violence, rape, and mutilation Hamas committed on October 7.”
He accused the paper of presenting a one-sided account while omitting atrocities committed during the Hamas-led attack on Israel.
The criticism came days after Gottheimer published his own guest essay in The New York Times criticizing Democrats for what he described as a “double standard” regarding antisemitism and Israel.
In that opinion piece, the New Jersey Democrat said members of his party had tolerated antisemitism from the political far left while remaining publicly silent.
Gottheimer specifically cited progressive political commentator Hasan Piker as an example of rhetoric he viewed as inflammatory and antisemitic.
The New York Times defended Kristof’s reporting following the backlash. The newspaper said the allegations presented in the op-ed had been thoroughly corroborated and that Kristof’s reporting met the publication’s journalistic standards.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the article, describing it as one of the worst modern examples of a “blood libel” in the press.
The dispute added to ongoing tensions surrounding media coverage of Israel’s war against Hamas and debates within the Democratic Party over antisemitism and criticism of Israel.
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