Sky News presenter Kamali Melbourne made an unprecedented move as he cut off David Mencer midway through an interview
Sky News was in chaos as anchor Kamali Melbourne clashed with Israeli government minister David Mencer – before muting him in an unprecedented move. Kamali was grilling Mencer on the alleged “genocide” happening in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war rages on, with children left to starve as aid into the country is blocked.
He began: “Martin Griffiths, former UN humanitarian chief has described the situation in Gaza as genocide and said: ‘It’s unequivocal. Of course what’s happening in Gaza is genocide.’ And he’s not the only one, the Irish government have described it as genocide too, Amnesty International, as well, the humanitarian group, described it as genocide.
“The former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also described what’s happening in Gaza as genocide and ethnic cleansing. How do you work for a government that is described as carrying out acts in this way?”
Sky News muted Israeli minister David Mencer (Image: Sky News)
Mencer replied: “I work for this government with pride because we are defending our nation, and this false charge of genocide – which you all there know to be false – this false charge, this modern day blood libel…
“You know, they used to say that Jews killed Christian children to use their blood to make our Passover unleavened bread, these days they say that Israel is committing a genocide and that leads to real attacks on Jews. Real attacks on Jews.
“There was one in Colorado just a couple of days ago and in the last couple of weeks that dreadful attack on the two workers at the Israeli embassy in Washington DC.
“There is one way to end this war tomorrow. Hamas must release every one of our hostages, lay down its arms. Until then, we will keep fighting with pride in accordance with international law with force and with principle because we believe in humanitarian principles-“ He was cut off by Kamali, who said: “Right,” before Mencer hit back: “You, unfortunately, you have decided to side with-“
The interview was abruptly cut off and Mencer muted (Image: Sky News)
Kamali was calm as he ordered: “David, don’t cast aspersions.” But the politician said: “Yes I will cast aspersions. Shame on you. Shame on-“
His stream was muted as Kamali announced: “Well we’ve run out of time now but you and I, you and I will speak again. David Mencer that spoke to us, from the Israeli government. Plenty more to come in the next hour.” The interview was abruptly ended, leaving viewers with mixed feelings.
One X user tweeted: “Reporter on Sky News gets tired of listening to Israeli propagandist David Mencer and mutes him and ends the interview!”
Another echoed: “Shouldn’t have given him air time at all.” But others saw a different side to the debate, with one arguing: “What is wrong with his statement about how the war could end right now?”
“The look on the interviewer’s face. Like, ‘are you serious?’” somebody else penned.
