Tone Deaf
CNN Anchor: Israeli Hostages Were Treated Better Than Gazans
Christiane Amanpour sparks outrage with shocking remark that Israeli hostages “probably” fared better than Gazans, drawing fierce condemnation for minimizing their suffering. Her belated apology does little to erase the backlash against CNN’s insensitive coverage.
CNN's chief international anchor, Christiane Amanpour, issued an apology on Monday after facing widespread backlash for comments implying that Israeli hostages held by Hamas were "probably being treated better than the average Gazan" due to their value as bargaining chips.
The remarks were made during a broadcast on CNN's News Central, where Amanpour discussed the recent release of hostages amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
She stated, "It’s been a terrible, terrible two years for them, because not only are they there — you know, they’re probably being treated better than the average Gazan, because they are the pawns and the chips that Hamas had."
The comments quickly drew outrage from viewers, Jewish advocacy groups, and social media users, who highlighted reports of hostages enduring starvation, torture, and sexual abuse during their captivity.
Critics argued that the statement minimized the suffering of the hostages and inaccurately portrayed conditions in Gaza.
Amanpour, a veteran journalist known for her coverage of international conflicts, has faced similar controversies in the past regarding her reporting on the Middle East.
CNN has not issued an additional statement on the matter. The apology comes amid heightened scrutiny of media coverage following the release of the final living hostages and ongoing efforts to recover the remains of deceased captives from Gaza.
In her apology, released later that day, Amanpour acknowledged the error, stating, "It was insensitive and wrong."
She further explained, "But I regret also saying that they may have been treated better than many Gazans because Hamas used these hostages as pawns and bargaining chips."