Simon Speakman
Simon Speakman Cordall is a journalist at Al Jazeera, covering stories related to Israel and Palestine. He has reported on the conflicts and political developments in the region for several years, providing in-depth analysis of the issues affecting both sides. Simon's reporting focuses on the complex dynamics between Israeli and Palestinian societies, as well as their interactions with international actors such as the United States and other Western allies. His work often highlights human rights abuses, bias, and conflicts of interest within Israel's political system and its impact on peace efforts in the region.
84%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
84%
Examples:
- Across Israel, figures like Ben-Gvir and fellow hardline Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also took part in yesterday’s march, are growing in influence.
- Are Israel’s allies angry with the lack of commitment? Allies – including the US – are becoming more and more open in their criticism of Israel.
- Biases: Beyond this assault, what Israel wants in Gaza remains unclear
- Drastically reduced in number from the massive deployment at the beginning of the war
- Hamas fighters, aided by what appears to be a still serviceable tunnel network
- Israeli forces, struggling to gain and retain control over territory crisscrossed by unknown miles of tunnels that allow Palestinian fighters mobility and access
Conflicts of Interest
94%
Examples:
- Speaking to crowds before the march, Ben-Gvir was unambiguous in his intent. Addressing energised flag-waving throngs, he said the purpose of this year’s march was to signal to Hamas that ‘Jerusalem is ours.’
- They would shout things at me, like: ‘You should be murdered by Hamas.’
Contradictions
96%
Examples:
- Israeli right-wing activists look at damaged trailer trucks that were carrying humanitarian aid supplies on the Israeli side of the Tarqumiyah crossing with the occupied West Bank on May 13, 2024, after other activists vandalised them to protest against aid being sent to the Gaza Strip.
- Israel’s president says that Israel has killed some 12,000 fighters among the tens of thousands of dead.
- More than 160 Palestinians were injured during a previous year’s Flag March, including those struck by live ammunition fired by police and many needed hospital treatment.
- Standing in the way of the far-right march were around 60 activists of the Jewish-Palestinian activist group, Standing Together.
- Tens of thousands of mostly young, right-wing Israelis marched through occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City on Wednesday.
Deceptions
76%
Examples:
- Biden says is an Israeli proposal.
- The US claims has been so depleted that it is no longer capable of carrying out a repeat of its October 7 attack on Israel.
Recent Articles
Thousands March in Jerusalem on Jerusalem Day, Clashes with Palestinian Activists and Israeli Police Ensue
Broke On: Wednesday, 05 June 2024Thousands of Israeli nationalists marked Jerusalem Day on June 6, 2024, leading to clashes with Palestinian residents and activist groups. Around 60 Jewish-Palestinian activists attempted to prevent potential violence during the march. Previous years have resulted in numerous injuries, including over 160 Palestinians injured during a Flag March in 2023. Israeli police deployed over 3,000 officers but incidents of violence and hate speech still occurred, with right-wing activists vandalizing humanitarian aid trucks to Gaza. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared the celebration sent a message to Hamas. Biden's Proposed Three-Phase Deal for Israel-Hamas Conflict: Controversy and Uncertainty
Broke On: Friday, 31 May 2024President Biden's proposed three-phase deal aims to end the Israel-Hamas conflict through a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and negotiations for permanent peace. Controversy surrounds Biden's push for a ceasefire as some Israeli leaders advocate for different approaches post-conflict. The UN Security Council urges support for the plan but its implementation remains uncertain due to Israeli political divisions. 
UN Report: Israel Lacks Evidence Against UNRWA Employees Being Terrorists, Concerns over Textbooks and Neutrality Breaches
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 April 2024A UN review led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna found no evidence to support Israel's accusations that UNRWA employees are members of terrorist organizations. The report raised concerns about problematic content in UNRWA textbooks and the need for better screening of employees and investigations into breaches of neutrality. 
Israel's Allegations of UNRWA Ties to Terrorism: No Credible Evidence Found
Broke On: Tuesday, 23 April 2024Israel's allegations of UNRWA staff ties to terrorism led major donors to cut funding, causing a crisis for Palestinians in Gaza. An independent review found no credible evidence, but the damage was done as thousands face water, healthcare, and food shortages. 
Israel Eliminates 19 Hamas Battalions in Six Months of Gaza War, Resulting in Thousands of Civilian Deaths
Broke On: Sunday, 07 April 2024Israel has eliminated 19 Hamas battalions and cleared out terrorist command centers in Gaza, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths according to reports. The UN Secretary-General denounced Israel's actions over the last six months, stating that it brought relentless death and destruction to Gaza. 
Israeli Military Accused of War Crimes and Genocide in Gaza, Despite Western Allies' Support
Broke On: Friday, 05 April 2024Israel accused of war crimes and genocide in Gaza, with several foreign aid workers killed and a hospital destroyed. Despite this, many Western allies continue to send weapons to Israel and withhold funds from the main United Nations agency working in Gaza.