Nic Robertson

International Diplomatic Editor

Grade

D-

Reported Claim: Beheadings at Kfar Aza

Summary: First reporter from a major U.S. news outlet to repeat a version of the “beheaded babies” claim that originated from Israel’s i24News reporter Nicole Zedeck on October 10, 2023.

During live reporting from Kfar Aza, no attempt was made to verify the claim or question its veracity when touring the site with the IDF.

  • Robertson did not cite any sources in his initial report posted on CNN's social media on October 10, 2023 at approximately 4PM ; The post description notes it is a description of what the IDF told Robertson.

    However, a report published on Oct 13, 2023 with Robertson's byline was titled "Children found ‘butchered’ in Israeli kibbutz, IDF says, as horror of Hamas’ attacks near border begins to emerge"

  • Robertson made no mention attempting toverify the claim with an official source.

  • While Robertson was at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, the site of the attack and claim, he did not question the accuracy of the claim or attempt to verify the credibility of his sources.

    Additionally, Robertson made no mention of any attempting to collect evidence to support the claim.

  • Robertson did not issue any retraction with regards to the claims he reported in his initial report and the published report on Oct 13.

  • "Israeli official says government cannot confirm babies were beheaded in Hamas attack"

    CNN

    Oct 12, 2023 | 12:55PM

Sara Sinder

Senior National Correspondent
Co-anchor, CNN News Central

Grade

C+

Reported Claim: Babies and toddlers found with heads decapitated

Summary: Presented unverified claims by Israeli government as fact in live broadcast; acknowledged mistake on-air and apologized for not taking care in reporting the following day.

  • "ISRAELI GOVT: BABIES AND TODDLERS FOUND WITH "HEADS DECAPITATED"

    CNN

    Oct 11, 2023 | 11:45 AM
    Views: 11M

  • Sinder did not interview an official source during her broadcast to verify the claim.

  • Sinder did ask for or present evidence when making the initial claim.

    Sinder also did not make any attempt on-air to test the veracity of the claim.

  • "Yesterday the Israeli Prime Minister's office said that it had confirmed Hamas beheaded babies & children while we were live on the air. The Israeli government now says today it CANNOT confirm babies were beheaded. I needed to be more careful with my words and I am sorry."

    X | @sarasinder

    Oct 12, 2023

  • "Israeli official says government cannot confirm babies were beheaded in Hamas attack"

    CNN

    Oct 12, 2023 | 12:55PM