# The Department of International Relations has criticised Times of Israel journalist Paula Slier for spreading reckless and unverified claims that South Africa supported Hamas before the October 7 attacks on Israel. In an open letter, department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri condemned Slier for amplifying the statements of a self-proclaimed lobbyist, Justin Lewis, despite a lack of evidence. Phiri warns that such reporting fuels conspiracy theories, undermining ethical journalism and fuelling misinformation.
DIRCO rebukes Times of Israel journalist over reckless reporting