Wikipedia Founder Locks Gaza Genocide Article Citing Neutrality Concerns

Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, has taken the rare step of locking the English-language article titled "Gaza genocide" due to concerns over its lack of neutrality and perceived anti-Israel bias. Wales criticized the article's opening, which states as fact that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, calling this claim "highly contested" and inconsistent with Wikipedia's neutral point of view policy. He suggested the article be revised to reflect multiple viewpoints, noting that various governments, NGOs, and legal bodies have both described and rejected the characterization of Israel's actions as genocide. This intervention sparked backlash from Wikipedia editors, who accused Wales of yielding to political pressure and undermining editorial independence, though Wales maintains that neutrality is non-negotiable and that Wikipedia should not adjudicate ongoing controversies. The dispute highlights ongoing challenges Wikipedia faces as a platform where politically sensitive topics are contested and where content can quickly become perceived as established fact. Wales also indicated plans to lead a working group focused on ensuring neutrality for contentious topics like Zionism.