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The truth about October 7: Director Richard Sanders discusses his Al Jazeera film with Peter Oborne

Middle East Eye・38 minutes read

The film "October 7th" by Richard Sanders debunks false claims of mass killings and sexual violence, highlighting the need for thorough independent investigations. It emphasizes the importance of concrete evidence and challenges mainstream media narratives, pointing to dehumanizing tactics used to justify repression.

Insights

  • The documentary "October 7th" debunked false claims of mass killings, clarifying that only two babies were killed on that day, refuting stories of 40 babies being murdered and beheaded.
  • The film emphasized the necessity of concrete evidence in allegations of sexual violence, revealing inconsistencies in initial reports and highlighting the importance of independent investigations to separate fact from fiction.

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Recent questions

  • What is the documentary "October 7th" about?

    The film delves into the events of October 7th, debunking false claims of mass killings and sexual violence allegations, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations.

  • How long did it take to make the film?

    The documentary took close to four months to make, starting in late October and finishing by the end of February, with the team working through Christmas.

  • What kind of footage was included in the film?

    The film included about 7 hours of footage, such as head cams of dead Hamas Fighters, Hamas's own videos, dash cam footage, CCTV footage, and phone recordings.

  • What were some of the false claims debunked in the film?

    The film clarified that only two babies were killed on that day, refuting stories of 40 babies being murdered and beheaded, shedding light on the misinformation.

  • Why is independent investigation emphasized in the film?

    The film highlighted the importance of thorough independent investigations to separate fact from fiction regarding sexual violence allegations, pointing out the need for concrete evidence.

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Summary

00:00

"October 7th: Uncovering Truths of Allegations"

  • Richard Sanders directed the film "October 7th," a harrowing and educational documentary based on extensive material.
  • The film took close to four months to make, starting with development work in late October and finishing by the end of February, with the team working through Christmas.
  • Unearthed about 7 hours of footage, including head cams of dead Hamas Fighters, Hamas's own videos, dash cam footage, CCTV footage, and phone recordings.
  • A colleague meticulously compiled a list of the dead to accurately document the circumstances of each death, debunking false claims of mass killings.
  • The film clarified that only two babies were killed on that day, refuting stories of 40 babies being murdered and beheaded.
  • Initial reports of sexual violence and systematic rape by Israeli forces were largely accepted until recent scrutiny began to unravel these narratives.
  • The New York Times and other major media outlets published stories of sexual violence, but subsequent investigations revealed inconsistencies and fabrications.
  • The BBC also echoed the Israeli narrative of sexual violence, relying heavily on questionable sources like Kav elim Levy, whose credibility is now being questioned.
  • The film highlighted the need for thorough independent investigations into the events of October 7th to separate fact from fiction regarding sexual violence allegations.
  • The film emphasized the importance of concrete evidence in allegations of sexual violence, pointing out the lack of witnesses and tangible proof in certain claims.

15:19

"October 7th: Human Rights Abuses and Media"

  • Widespread and horrific human rights abuses occurred on the 7th of October.
  • Stories of wholesale slaughter of babies and systematic rape were largely untrue.
  • Justifying the ferocity of the Israeli response often involved mentioning babies and rapes.
  • Dehumanizing tactics, like stories of murder and mutilation, make it easier to justify savage repression.
  • The stories of mass rape and beheading of babies led to the deaths of 9,000 women in Gaza.
  • The death toll in Gaza, approximately 32,000, is likely a significant underestimate.
  • The Gaza Health Ministry's figures are reliable and have been verified by various organizations.
  • The Western media's lack of coverage of certain events leads to a loss of credibility.
  • The film's discrediting of certain testimonies, particularly on sexual violence, is significant.
  • The Israeli military's use of the Hannibal Doctrine was reported by Israeli media but largely ignored in the West.

29:41

Lack of Documentation Raises Questions on Deaths

  • Bodies were not properly photographed or recorded after a traumatic event on October 7th, leaving families of the deceased without crucial information.
  • Data on the number of casualties caused by attacks from helicopters and Israeli tanks is unavailable due to lack of proper documentation.
  • Israeli military officials, including Colonel Vac, have been found to provide false information, such as claiming the deaths of babies that did not occur.
  • Zacha, an organization involved, has faced scandals and funding issues, raising questions about the accuracy of the information they provide.
  • An intelligence failure on October 7th led to soldiers being caught off guard, with no alert issued despite signs of unusual activity.
  • The media's reluctance to cover significant findings, like those in the film about October 7th, points to a broader issue of avoiding difficult truths.
  • The film highlights a shift in media coverage towards narratives that align with prevailing views, rather than challenging them.
  • Alternative media outlets like Middle East Eye and The Intercept have been crucial in providing in-depth coverage of events and issues often overlooked by mainstream media.
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