Türkiye’s Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said Thursday that the country refuted manipulative news by a Greek channel that wanted to harm relations between Ankara and Athens. 

“Greece’s ANT1 television channel aired a news report during its main news bulletin, claiming that Türkiye harassed Greek fishermen in Kardak, based on some footage as evidence,” Fahrettin Altun wrote on X.

Altun said the footage was from three years ago and Turkish coast guard officials confirmed that there was no tension at that time.

He noted that the Center for Combating Disinformation announced the false news in three languages: Turkish, Greek and English.

“Following the denial, ANT1 television had to correct its news due to the reactions received. We are determined to continue our fight for the truth, not only for our country but for all of humanity,” he wrote.

Source: AA

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In a quest for qualification and a historic triumph, the Turkish women’s badminton national team sets its sights on the Europe Teams Championship Finals.

Scheduled to take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, from tomorrow to Sunday, the team is eager to make a mark on the international stage.

Grouped alongside Ukraine and Greenland, the Turkish players anticipate fierce competition.

Success in these group matches is pivotal, as it will determine their clash with the winner of the group consisting of Bulgaria, Latvia and Ireland.

The ultimate goal is to secure a coveted spot in the finals and bring home Türkiye’s first medal in the senior category of this prestigious championship.

Leading the national team, Head Coach Barış Boyar, alongside star athletes Özge Bayrak, Nazlıcan Inci and Zehra Erdem, shared insights into their preparations with Anadolu Agency (AA) ahead of the qualifiers.

Boyar expressed satisfaction with the training camp in Ankara, saying, “Our players are highly motivated. Our primary aim is to advance from the groups in the European Championships and reach the finals.”

He emphasized the historical significance of aiming for a team medal, following the individual successes of Özge Bayrak and Neslihan Yiğit Arın in previous European Championships.

“We have been working towards achieving a team medal as well. Hopefully, we succeed and if we win, it will be our first team medal,” he said.

Highlighting the team’s strong foundation, Boyar remarked, “Our potential in badminton is very high. There’s a great synergy with the new management. Our young athletes have ambitious goals. We aim to combine the success of the younger age groups with the seniors. We have succeeded with women’s teams in the under-17 and under-19 categories. Our goal is to increase the number of Olympic athletes and represent our country with more athletes in the Olympics. Winning a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics may seem challenging at the moment. Our goal is to advance from the groups, as the Olympics is truly a massive process. We continue to work towards this, especially scouting young talent for Olympic representation.”

Confidence soaring

Özge Bayrak, who shared a joint training camp with the men’s national team, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to emerge as group leaders. “Our current focus is on topping the group ahead of the European Championship Finals. We have two challenging matches ahead, against Ukraine and Bulgaria. We aim to win both and qualify for the finals.”

As one of the two athletes who secured individual medals for Türkiye in the previous European Championships, Bayrak conveyed her determination: “Every team championship we attend, we genuinely aim to win a medal. That’s our goal. Hopefully, this time, we break new ground and return to our country with a medal.”

Nazlıcan İnci, discussing the team’s rigorous preparation with double training sessions daily, expressed optimism about their chances of advancing from the group.

“We believe we will qualify from the group, and Bulgaria will also emerge from the other group. Our potential match against Bulgaria will be tough, but I believe we can win. We are eager to reach the finals. Compared to previous years, I see the team as stronger. We’ll strive for success with a good draw,” she said.

Assessing her individual performance, Nazlıcan stated, “Unfortunately, in 2022, we couldn’t participate in any tournaments. In 2023, I feel that I have improved my performance in every tournament. I’ve given my all in preparation and I believe I’ll reflect that in the matches. Qualifying for the Olympics in women’s doubles is a bit challenging due to the reduction in quota numbers worldwide. We will also push ourselves and aim to achieve a first there.”

Zehra Erdem, highlighting the team’s readiness, stated, “We are heading to the qualifiers in excellent shape as a team. We have group matches ahead against Greenland and Ukraine. If we defeat them, we will face the winner of the other group in the finals. We must win that match too. We need to qualify for the European Championship Finals in Poland. I believe we are a very strong team, and in Poland, we will achieve our goal of winning our first medal. We are undergoing rigorous preparation camps during this process. There’s mutual trust within the team. I have confidence that we will achieve good results. Both our singles and doubles players are progressing strongly. We will bring our past experiences to the field and deliver a solid performance.”

Source: Daily Sabah

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Turkish Motorcycle Federation (TMF) national teams captain, Kenan Sofuoğlu, is eyeing championship glory from his squad of talented riders in the upcoming season.

Reflecting on the recently concluded season, Sofuoğlu highlighted Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s transition from the Pata Yamaha Prometeon team to the “Rokit BMW” team.

Optimistic about BMW’s quest for their first World Championship, Sofuoğlu expressed confidence that Razgatlıoğlu would swiftly adapt and contend for the 2024 championship.

With a two-year deal in place, Sofuoğlu acknowledged the challenges of the initial season but remained steadfast in his belief that they would propel BMW to its inaugural world championship in the second season.

Turning his attention to his younger brother Bahattin Sofuoğlu, who competed in the World Supersport Championship for the first time this season, Kenan Sofuoğlu noted the significance of the young rider’s several podium finishes and a victory.

He emphasized the promising nature of a rookie securing victories in their debut season, asserting that Bahattin Sofuoğlu’s potential was evident for all to see.

In a narrative of resilience, Sofuoğlu detailed the harrowing season for national motorcycle racer Can Öncü.

Overcoming a severe injury that nearly cost him his left arm, Can Öncü defied the odds, returning to the podium in Spain with only 10% functionality in his arm.

Sofuoğlu shared that Can Öncü had recently undergone major surgery in the U.K., expressing optimism that the arm, now at 70-80% functionality, would enable him to continue his career.

While acknowledging the potential challenges ahead, Sofuoğlu expressed the team’s anticipation for Can Öncü to aim for a world championship in the coming year.

Shifting the focus to another national talent, Deniz Öncü, who completed a four-year Moto3 career, Sofuoğlu highlighted the numerous victories and podium appearances.

Although Moto3 saw success, Sofuoğlu believes Deniz’s shot at a world championship lies in Moto2.

Securing a deal with the powerhouse Red Bull KTM team, Sofuoğlu conveyed high expectations for Deniz, indicating that successful navigation through Moto2 could position him as a representative in MotoGP.

As the current season wraps up, Sofuoğlu revealed a brief hiatus of approximately 1.5 months before gearing up for preparations for the 2024 season with his team.

Sharing his aspirations, Sofuoğlu expressed the natural expectation for championship aspirations from each of his athletes across different categories.

Source: Daily Sabah

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In a remarkable journey through the competitive landscape of women’s football, Türkiye’s national team has achieved a significant milestone by ascending from the C League to the B League in the Nations League.

Leading the success are two standout players: Yağmur Uraz, the leading scorer from Fenerbahçe and Selda Akgöz, the goalkeeper from Ankara Fomget.

Akgöz maintained a perfect record in the C Group, contributing to the Crescent-Stars’ leadership with six wins, 16 goals scored and none conceded.

The strategic progression from the C League to the B League underlines the meticulous planning and step-by-step approach implemented since the arrival of Coach Necla Güngör Kırağası and her team.

Sacrifices made by the team and players have fostered a tight-knit family atmosphere, a sentiment that resonates on the field.

Reflecting on their early aspirations, Uraz reminisced about the joy of playing in the neighborhood at 12.

Today, the thrill extends to performing in large stadiums and playing for club and national teams before an enthusiastic fanbase.

The evolution of women’s football has opened doors for aspiring young talents, encouraging them to dream beyond boundaries.

The journey has been transformative for Akgöz, who hails from humble beginnings.

She envisions leaving a legacy for younger generations, inspiring them to embrace football with their families.

The duo aims to progress collectively, underscoring the importance of unity in growth.

The impact of Türkiye’s national team mirrors that of the volleyball national team, affectionately known as the “Sultans of the Net.”

Akgöz shared insights into the growing support, with individual sponsorships and an expanding fan base.

The duo is committed to providing joy to their audience, with Akgöz emphasizing her unique perspective from the rear, ensuring an intimate connection with the game.

As 2023 concludes, the focus shifts to the challenges in the B League.

Yağmur expressed anticipation about the opponents they will face, emphasizing a gradual and dedicated approach to pushing their limits and achieving new milestones.

Beyond the national team’s success, the discussion extends to the broader landscape of women’s football.

The two stars stressed the importance of major clubs investing in grassroots development, ensuring that talent is nurtured across the country, not limited to metropolitan areas.

They actively guide aspiring players, addressing the need for accessible platforms in both eastern and western regions.

Breaking barriers

Beyond the field, both athletes challenge societal stereotypes.

Akgöz acknowledged the persistent expectation for women to be the caretaker in the family, yet she defied this by managing her responsibilities as a financial provider.

Pursuing education and career aspirations showcases a shift in perceptions around women in football.

Uraz and Akgöz expressed aspirations beyond their playing careers.

Uraz, at 33, envisions a future in coaching, combining her experience with a master’s degree in movement and exercise science.

Akgöz, at 30, however, intends to continue playing until 35, contemplating a transition to coaching and nurturing the next generation.

Reflecting on their football idols, Yağmur identifies Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pavel Nedved, Mesut Özil and now Erling Haaland as sources of inspiration.

Their goal celebrations are reminiscent of legendary figures like Didier Drogba and Fernando Muslera, serving as a source of pride for aspiring players.

Evolution

The challenges encountered in the early days of women’s football, such as the absence of personalized jerseys and limited resources, have transformed into a scenario where numerous options are available, underscoring the advancements in the women’s game.

Anticipating a future Arda Güler in women’s football, the two stars confidently projected sending a sister abroad within the next few years, emphasizing the continued growth and recognition of Turkish women’s football on the global stage.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Renowned Turkish arm wrestling virtuoso Kenan Eroğlu, a maestro with an impressive collection of 126 medals, has etched his legacy not just as a formidable athlete but as a dedicated coach shaping the futures of aspiring champions.

Eroğlu’s journey, which began 27 years ago in the fitness center of Kocaeli, has transcended the realms of personal triumph to become a narrative of inspiration.

At 47, Eroğlu stands as a testament to the adage that age is just a number.

Emerging from the fitness center fraternity on the advice of arm wrestling enthusiasts and friends, he ascended to the pinnacle of success, securing an astounding 126 medals, including 30 on the international stage, while proudly donning the national team colors.

Beyond his individual exploits, Eroğlu champions the cause of para-arm wrestling as a coach, extending his influence to Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Kağıtspor, where he molds the next generation of arm wrestling prodigies.

His commitment is not merely confined to the arena but extends to a 4-square-meter (43-square-foot) room in his house, transformed into a mini gym, propelling him to the World Championship in 2016.

In a conversation with Anadolu Agency (AA), Eroğlu delved into the genesis of his journey, recounting the pivotal role played by arm wrestling athletes in the fitness center.

A runner-up in his inaugural national competition, Eroğlu redirected his focus towards arm wrestling, solidifying his position with an impactful debut on the international stage.

Eroğlu’s philosophy transcends the conventional boundaries of sports.

He perceives arm wrestling not just as a display of physical prowess but as a transformative journey that instills self-confidence in athletes.

His words resonate: “Arm wrestling is a power sport; it gives self-confidence to the athletes of this branch.”

This conviction propels Eroğlu to set monumental goals, including the aspiration of becoming a national team athlete.

However, his impact extends far beyond medals and titles.

Eroğlu’s ethical compass steers him toward touching lives in a moral dimension, prioritizing character over achievements.

For him, the true measure of success lies not only in athletic prowess but in becoming a moral compass for youth.

“A moral person ensures that the young people who follow him are also moral. This is more important than his world, European and international success,” he said.

As he ventured into international competitions, Eroğlu’s focus transcended personal glory.

It converged on nurturing the morale and motivation of his young charges.

Despite his age, he remains a formidable force on the podium, driven not by personal accolades but by the collective success of his athletes.

Closing the year with an impressive tally of nine national and international medals, Eroğlu remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence.

The Turkish Championship in February, followed by the European Championship in Slovakia, beckons, with the pinnacle being the World Championship in Ghana.

Eroğlu’s strategic planning includes recruiting fresh talent from Kağıtspor, highlighting his commitment to raising the bar each passing year.

Source: Daily Sabah

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The president of the French capital region announced on Tuesday that Paris metro ticket prices will nearly double during the 2024 Olympics.

However, residents with passes will be exempt from the temporary increase, while visitors will be charged “a fair price.”

The mayor of Paris warned last week that public transport services, provided by the regional authority, would be insufficient during the events. The Olympics will be held from July 26 to Aug. 11, and the Paralympics from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.

“During the Olympics and the Paralympics, the Ile de France region will dramatically increase its transport offer. It is out of the question that the residents support that cost,” the region’s president Valerie Pecresse said on social media.

“We’re going to create a new pass, the Paris 2024 pass, that will allow visitors to travel through the whole Ile de France region. It will cost 16 euros a day, and up to 70 euros a week. It is the fair price,” Pecresse said in a video.

She said a single journey metro ticket will cost 4 euros ($4.38) for the period from July 20 to Sept. 8, adding that residents of the region with a usual monthly or yearly pass will not be affected.

A monthly pass normally costs 84.10 euros, while single journeys currently cost 2.10 euros.

Last week, Paris’s mayor hit out at Pecresse, saying the French capital would not be ready in terms of transport.

Transport Minister Clement Beaune backed Pecresse on Tuesday, saying Paris would be “ready,” adding that, “It is important that there are no changes for the Parisians during the Games.”

Pecresse said that it was crucial that the Paris region residents be spared.

“The prices will go up so that the Olympics are 100% accessible by public transport,” she told reporters at a test ride of the future Line 15 of the metro on Tuesday.

“Public services have a cost, and pretending otherwise is a lie. If it’s not the visitors who pay, it’s going to be the taxpayer.”

Source: Daily Sabah

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Heavy rainfall, storms and sharp gusts of wind swept across numerous Turkish provinces, starting from the northwestern coast and Istanbul, to Izmir in the west, the northern provinces of Kastamonu and Samsun and all the way to Hatay’s Iskenderun district in the south.

Streets and buildings were flooded in Izmir on Sunday after the sea rose and breached coastal barriers following a storm, the local media reported.

Evacuation efforts from the apartments, workplaces and shops flooded in the city’s Konak district continued through the night, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported Monday.

Izmir Water and Sewerage Administration General Directorate (IZSU) teams continued with the evacuation and cleaning efforts with the help from sewage trucks in flooded apartments, workplaces and shops in Alsancak Kordonboyu and Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street, it said.

The earlier reports on Sunday indicated that the torrential rain, which started around 4 a.m. local time in Istanbul, affected many districts of the city. The roof of a building in Kağıthane was blown off by the storm, which increased in intensity in the early hours of the day.

Türkiye’s General Directorate of Meteorology issued severe weather warnings for a large part of the country’s 81 provinces on Sunday.

On the coast of Hatay’s Iskenderun district, roads and some workplaces were flooded due to heavy rain and strong wind, bringing life to a standstill on Monday. The downpour that started Sunday in the coastal district continued through the night, the report from AA said.

As a result of sea flooding due to rain and strong winds, deep puddles formed in Monument Square and Atatürk Boulevard on the coast. Houses and workplaces on the ground floors of some buildings were also flooded, and some vehicles were stranded on the roads. Shopkeepers who went to their workplaces in the morning tried to drain the water from their shops and clean them.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), fire brigade and municipal teams commenced their work after being dispatched to the flooded areas.

AFAD, through its social media channel, reported that 198 citizens were rescued from the adverse weather in 16 different provinces as part of their efforts.

It also said one person lost their life after being trapped under the rubble due to a structural collapse that occurred in a building in Sinop’s Erfelek due to the storm.

In central Konya province, one citizen lost their life while trying to protect themselves from heavy rain by entering a barn. Four other citizens were injured as part of the same incident and sent to hospital, AFAD said.

Similarly, the rain and strong wind wreaked havoc in a number of the districts of Kastamonu. Giant waves reached up to 5 meters (16 feet) in height in the Abana district as the wind blew at a speed of 50 kph (31 mph) in some places.

The waves broke through the wall on the Hacıveli highway, creating a puddle on the road, while six people were evacuated from two houses in the Harmason area.

The storm was also effective in the Erbaa district of central Tokat province. The roof of the two-story house on Alemdar Street in the Osman Gazi District was blown away due to strong wind.

Meanwhile, due to a storm that occurred as a result of ongoing rain, a report indicated a cargo ship ran aground off the coast in the Black Sea’s province of Artvin.

“Today around 10 a.m., a dry cargo ship in the region ran aground off the coast of Artvin-Hopa due to the severe storm in the Black Sea. Of the total 13 crew members on the ship; six crew members were rescued, while rescue efforts for seven other crew members are underway,” AFAD’s statement on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, read.

Heavy rainfall and floods swept across Türkiye last week, resulting in loss of life in the provinces of Zonguldak, Batman and Diyarbakır.

Calmer weather was expected on Monday, although a “yellow” warning code was issued for 29 provinces, and an “orange” warning for 47, according to the AFAD statement.

Some ferry services planned to be held on the Geyikli-Bozcaada and Kabatepe-Gökçeada lines in Çanakkale on Monday were canceled due to adverse weather conditions, a separate report from AA said.

Source: Daily Sabah

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One of Türkiye’s major private banks refuted allegations Tuesday that it played a role in an alleged scam targeting numerous football stars, including Arda Turan and Fernando Muslera, orchestrated by a former branch manager through a pyramid scheme.

Seçil Erzan, the ex-branch manager of Denizbank, is facing a 216-year prison sentence, as sought by an Istanbul prosecutor, on charges of defrauding a group of celebrities, including Turan, the former Barcelona midfielder and Galatasaray goalkeeper Muslera.

The October indictment outlines that Erzan allegedly swindled approximately $44 million from 18 individuals, enticing them with promises of substantial returns on investments in a purported “secret special fund.”

According to the indictment, Erzan persuaded football stars to invest by claiming that iconic former player and Turkish national team coach Fatih Terim had also invested in the fund.

She partly paid some of the returns to some of the investors, but she failed to pay any returns or principal money to most of the investors, according to the indictment.

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç on Wednesday said the indictment related to the scandal had been accepted. He said the second hearing in the case would take place on Jan. 12.

“There are 7 defendants and 18 complainants, and this indictment has been accepted by Istanbul 41st Heavy Penal Court,” Tunç told reporters.

Expressing confidence in the judiciary’s investigation into the allegations, Tunç stated, “Through the judicial process, the most accurate decision will be reached regarding who is guilty and who is innocent.”

Erzan pleaded guilty, but said in mitigation that she paid back the principal money of almost all investors. She was not able to pay some of the returns she promised, she said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Denizbank categorically denied any knowledge of the fund, emphasizing that all transactions occurred outside the banking system. The bank also rejected allegations that its board members were aware of or involved in the scheme.

Denizbank noticed the transactions on April 7 when some of the alleged victims notified the bank about Erzan’s fund. The bank promptly handed over its internal investigation file to the prosecutor’s office on April 10, the statement said.

“There is no record of that pyramid scheme at DenizBank,” it said.

Erzan, who has been in custody since April 11, and six other individuals are accused of “aggravated fraud” and “document forgery.”

Denizbank is owned by Dubai’s largest lender, the Emirates NBD, which acquired the Turkish bank from Russia’s Sberbank in 2019 for about $2.7 billion.

Source: Daily Sabah

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In Istanbul, diminished rainfall this year has led to a drastic drop in water levels at three out of 10 dams, down to around only 3%.

The city, experiencing one of its most significant droughts in recent years, faces the impact of prolonged below-average rainfall and temperatures consistently exceeding seasonal norms, causing some of the dams that supply water to dry up.

According to data from the Istanbul Water and Sewage Administration (ISKI), the significant water source of Büyükçekmece Lake has been affected by the drought. Last year, the lake’s water level, which was at 46.64% during the same period, plummeted to 3.97%, marking the lowest level in the past 11 years.

Aerial footage captured by the Anadolu Agency (AA) team shows receded waters in areas that were previously filled in Büyükçekmece Lake, dramatically displaying cracked and dry land where there was once water due to the drought.

Among the dams supplying water to the city, Sazlıdere Dam records the lowest water level. Last year, on Nov. 5, the dam’s water level was at 44.02%, which has currently dropped to 2.77%.

Pabuçdere Dam is on the verge of drying up, with its current water level at 3.45%, slightly higher than the 3.42% measured during the same period last year. Similarly, Kazandere Dam’s water level, which was at 27.01% last year on Nov. 5, has decreased to 7.3%.

Terkos Dam currently stands at a 7.95% water level, while it was at 43.34% during the same period last year. Elmalı Dam, which had a water level of 43.58% on Nov. 5 last year, has plunged to its lowest level in six years, reaching 16.04%.

Alibey Dam, registering a water level of 22.9% last year, has now dropped to 17.7%, the lowest level in a decade. Istrancalar Dam’s water level, which was at 26.78% last year, is currently recorded at 27.59%.

Furthermore, Darlık Dam, with a water level of 41.72% on Nov. 5 last year, has now reduced to 28.83%. The water level in Ömerli Dam stands at 38.12% currently, down from 42.92% at the same time last year, marking the lowest level in the last nine years.

Among the 10 dams supplying water to the city, seven have water levels below 20%, with an overall average of 17.59%.

Call for measure

Professor Hüseyin Toros from Istanbul Technical University’s Department of Meteorological Engineering emphasized the importance of taking immediate measures in water usage.

“If residents can save one-third of their water usage, Istanbul will not face water scarcity. By doing so, the city can manage until new rainfall arrives,” he said.

“Additionally, reducing water consumption in the kitchen, at sinks, in showers and toilets is crucial.”

The severe repercussions of an ongoing drought have extended their reach to various regions in the country, where the dire water scarcity issue has intensified due to the effects of climate change.

As a proactive response to the climate crisis and in a concerted effort to encourage water conservation, government authorities have introduced a comprehensive “Drought Management Plan” for 23 basins nationwide, a recent initiative that aims to address the pressing issues at hand.

The plan, unveiled earlier this year, not only serves to heighten public consciousness regarding the perils associated with climate change but also endeavors to promote responsible and sustainable water usage practices to ensure the longevity of our vital water resources.

Source: Daily Sabah

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A disinformation bulletin exposed Israeli propaganda regarding the war in Gaza, including false reports of Hamas headquarters and shooting of fleeing Palestinian civilians

The Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications has debunked a series of social media claims about the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict in Gaza.

In its weekly bulletin against disinformation released Monday, the directorate refuted the claim made by Israel that a “Hamas headquarters is located beneath Al-Shifa Hospital” as propaganda designed to manipulate international public opinion.

“Truth is Israel has expanded its attacks beyond civilian settlements in Gaza to include hospitals, which are operating under extreme conditions to treat the wounded,” the directorate said.

Referring to a post by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Oct. 27 showing the so-called Hamas headquarters under the hospital, the directorate said the video was digitally produced and that Israel hasn’t presented any substantiating arguments to Netanyahu’s claim.

According to Dr. Mads Gilbet, a Norwegian doctor with 16 years of experience at Al-Shifa Hospital, the claims that “a headquarters is located beneath the hospital” are entirely baseless, the bulletin read.

“The Israeli military claimed this numerous times and on Nov. 14 conducted an operation against Al-Shifa Hospital,” it added.

“In the past month, no evidence has been presented regarding Israel’s, particularly Netanyahu’s, claim. It has been determined that some of the images shared to back the claim include elevator shafts and other septic tanks.”

The bulletin also refuted the Israeli army’s claim that it discovered a “Hamas list” taped onto a wall in the basement of Al-Shifa, saying, the papers in the images were in fact calendars.

The Israeli army released additional footage of a bunker-like area on Nov. 22, claiming it as the alleged Hamas headquarters. The images fail to match the depictions of “multi-story buildings” Netanyahu’s earlier post made, the bulletin said.

“The images clearly demonstrate that there is no command center or an ammunition depot there, as Israel has insisted for weeks,” it noted.

An Israeli soldier recently claimed the exit of the tunnels was “sealed because (Hamas) anticipated our arrival a month ago.”

Until very recently, however, Israel justified its bombing of the hospital by maintaining that a functioning command center was underneath Al-Shifa Hospital. The Israeli press has alleged in countless articles in the last couple of years that a bunker was built under Al-Shifa in 1983 when Gaza was still under Israeli control.

However, the lack of evidence to support Israel’s claims has been acknowledged by numerous international news organizations, including CNN and BBC.

‘Ambushed’ reporter

The bulletin further rebutted a Fox News claim that one of its reporters was “caught in an attempted ambush while visiting the scene of the music festival massacre.”

“This is fiction because the entire thing was staged by the Israeli army,” the directorate said, pointing to the very footage presented on Fox News.

In the said footage, following sounds of gunshots, a “Hamas member” who allegedly set up an ambush in the festival area is detained, stripped and blindfolded. The rest of the uncut video, however, reveals that it’s an Israeli soldier dressing up as a Hamas soldier in the background.

The so-called ambush moment was disseminated by numerous international media outlets.

Shooting civilians

The directorate also dispersed popular footage shared by Israeli propaganda accounts to claim that “Hamas opened fire on Gazan civilians trying to flee south.”

The video in question was recorded by Motaz Azaiza, a content producer for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and posted on Nov. 19 with the caption, “How it looks from the safe passing that Israel claims about. They opened fire at people,” the bulletin explained.

Azaiza himself responded to the accounts misrepresenting his video, saying, “I was the one who recorded this, and the Israeli occupation forces were shooting at people to scare them and make them flee faster.”

The directorate further refuted similar claims that Hamas “killed 160 Palestinian children during the construction of the tunnels in Gaza.”

“The news article cited as the basis for the allegations was published in 2014 on the website of Tablet magazine,” the directorate informed.

In 2014, 2,310 people lost their lives in Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

“The Israeli propaganda magazine Tablet also tried to manipulate the global public opinion reacting to the civilian deaths in Gaza with the news ‘Hamas is killing children,’” the bulletin said.

In 2014, as it does today, Israel made many baseless claims to justify the massacre of civilians, it added.

Journalists killed

Regarding a video shared by Israeli propaganda accounts on social media of “two Palestinian journalists killed by Israel,” the directorate said the people in question were Syrian journalists Jamil al-Hasan and Muhammaed al-Faisal working in northern Syria.

The video of rockets firing, which sparked outrage worldwide, is shared by Israeli accounts to justify the killing of journalists but it has no connection with Gaza, the directorate stressed.

“The Palestinian journalists killed in Israel’s bomb attack on the Bureij Refugee Camp in the center of the Gaza Strip on November 18 are Sari Mansour and Hassouna Salim,” it said.

Over 60 journalists have lost their lives in Israeli attacks in Gaza since Oct. 7.

The directorate also dismissed the claim in a video circulated on X that a Palestinian boy living in Canada made a “chilling threat to Jewish people” during a rally.

“After examining the images in question, it has been determined that the slogans shouted during the pro-Palestinian protests were neither anti-Semitic nor threatening the Jews, the directorate said. “The child in the image was shouting, ‘Long live the Resistance! There is only one solution. Intifada (uprising – resistance), revolution!’”

Source: Daily Sabah

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