Al Mayadeen Network's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ghassan Ben Jeddou, addressed the "Operation Truth" conference in the Cuban capital, Havana. In his message, he said: "We find ourselves at a historic international strategic crossroad on our land, where free individuals - not limited to Palestinians or the Arab nation - are engaged in a struggle for liberation from the hegemonic influence that embodies a political, security, military, economic, cultural, and media mafia seeking to exploit, oppress, and harm the people. This force occupies, manipulates, spreads falsehoods, and deceives humanity, particularly the impoverished, alongside the diligent and the faithful."

Ben Jeddou added, "This mafia is what they call the international community, or the global system, under the guise of fraudulent globalization and weak and complicit international institutions." 

He continued, "This marks the triumph of Palestine, aligned with Russia overcoming attempts to be weakened and divided, China thwarting plans to exhaust and neutralize its strength, Venezuela prevailing against economic warfare and domestic as well as foreign coups, Iran succeeding in the face of blockade aggression and comprehensive distortion, and Cuba achieving victory in its revolutionary stance marked by dignity and steadfastness. Such victories stand as a setback for this resurgent imperialist mafia."

'Operation Truth is a courageous breakthrough against Western imperialism'

In his address, Ben Jeddou extended his greetings to Luis Enrique Gonzalez, President of the Prensa Latina agency, the organizer of the event, applauding free media, the struggle for liberation, and humanitarian internationalism. He emphasized their resonance with the rich history of the Cuban revolutionary struggle, particularly during the leadership era of the historical revolution and its iconic figure, the historic Fidel Castro.

Ben Jeddou highlighted that the "Operation Truth conference, in itself, is a courageous breakthrough against the US media octopus and Western imperialism. This occurred at a time when the Cuban revolution faced - from its inception to the moment of triumph - a media blockade filled with incitement, distortion, and defamation against the revolution, its people, and its leadership."

He affirmed that "this year's conference is historic" because history is repeating itself, adding that "We find ourselves in front of a strong and enduring revolution, alongside a remarkable and patient population, guided by a courageous and innovative leadership. This is not just an acknowledgment but also a heartfelt gesture of support and pride from our Arab region to the bold and intelligent President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Our salute extends to the revolutionary, resilient, triumphant, and constructive generation, under the leadership of Raul Castro.""

He also emphasized that "the Cuban revolution, with its resilient population, merits genuine and practical support not only from us but from all the free people worldwide. As a part of the liberal media group, we consider it our duty and role to integrate into the historical movement supporting besieged and struggling peoples, reflecting our steadfast belief in this cause."

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'Jewish people are our partners in humanity'

Ben Jeddou highlighted "We are not talking here about Judaism or the Jewish religion, Judaism is a divine faith that we respect. The Jewish people are our partners in humanity. We are talking about a colonial, racist, and expansionist entity that oppresses an entire people, using the pretext of combating terrorism falsely and deceptively. It kills an innocent, unarmed population and faces a resistance movement fighting for its humanity, independence, and liberation.

He continued, "We are addressing an expansionist, racist occupying entity that oppresses an entire population under the guise of combating terrorism, employing lies and deception. This entity engages in the murder of an unarmed population while confronting a free and honorable resistance that strives for its humanity, independence, and liberation."

Ben Jeddou emphasized his refusal to accept any justification for what is happening in Gaza and Palestine, stressing that the brutal and aggressive war on Gaza must be stopped, describing this crime as "a crime against humanity in all aspects."

While emphasizing that "the media cannot remain silent, hesitant, or content with mere fleeting words," he affirmed, saying, "We are experiencing the monopolistic control and influence of this mafia and its media apparatus, yet simultaneously witnessing an unprecedented global popular vigilance."

'Al Mayadeen was not silenced in occupied Palestine' 

In this context, Ben Jeddou referred to the Israeli occupation’s suspension of Al Mayadeen Network's activities in occupied Palestine, and said, “The cabinet has decided and approved the complete blocking of Al Mayadeen Network's activity in Palestine,” indicating that this decision was taken by the war cabinet, emphasizing that “ Al Mayadeen threatens Israeli security and poses a great danger to the entity,” stressing that it is persisting in its media project with dedication, consistency, balance, and professionalism.

Ben Jeddou emphasized that "this historic moment presents an opportunity to forge a global alliance for the media of the free and those opposed to injustice, racism, and dominance. He stressed the need to unite to break the monopoly of narratives and counter the imposition of one-sided stories on public opinion, to firmly embed the defense of humanity as a core value in media."

He urged for "exemplifying the courage of confrontation, reminiscent of the bravery demonstrated by South Africa, which took Israel to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, and the participation of Mexico and Chile in the process of prosecuting this entity. Hence, this entity considers itself the largest American stronghold, and no one dares to challenge it." 

In conclusion, the Chairman of the Board of Directors revealed that the channel is preparing for a media forum in the Middle East, in collaboration and coordination with some friendly media outlets. This collaboration aims to establish a renewed media alliance in the service of humanity and against unilateralism. He expressed hope for further radiance for Prensa Latina and wished Cuba continued prosperity and triumph.

What is Operation Truth?

It is noteworthy that the concept of this conference was conceived in 1960 and materialized through the efforts of the late President Fidel Castro, championed and embodied by the international revolutionary figure, Ernesto Che Guevara.

One of the objectives of "Operation Truth" is to unveil the forgery and hostile media smear campaigns against the Cuban Revolution, aiming to disseminate the authentic truth and sincerity of the revolution. The initiative involves reaching out to hundreds of journalists and inviting them to come to Cuba to gain an accurate understanding of the Cuban Revolution.

This year, the latest Operation Truth conference seeks to broaden its scope by incorporating other regions of the world. Public opinion influencers and journalists from over thirty countries are expected to participate. Notably, this media forum was arranged by the globally renowned Prensa Latina agency, co-organized in collaboration with the Al Mayadeen Media Network.