CNN insists that the Gaza video is genuine, and they’ve reposted it. This is their only response to the criticism that the “CPR” shown in the video is an obvious pantomime:

Responding to accusations that the resuscitation efforts of Mashharawi’s brother appeared inauthentic, Martin said that, based on his years of reporting from Gaza, doctors often go through such efforts even with little hope that a patient can be saved.

If they really had “little hope” the patient could be saved, they’d be going all out with CPR, which means very vigorous chest compression (it’s not unusual to break ribs if it’s done right), and ventilation to oxygenate the blood—not delicately touching the boy’s abdomen with the tips of their fingers as we see in the video clips.

UPDATE at 1/9/09 5:50:34 pm:

For reference, here are three versions of the report we’re looking at.

First, an edited, shortened version of the full report:

Youtube Video

Second, the version of the report posted by the UK’s Channel 4.

Third, the full report posted at CNN’s website.

FLV Movie

UPDATE at 1/9/09 6:34:14 pm:

CNN now responds to the charge that Mashharawi worked for a company that operates Hamas websites:

Martin said accusations that Mashharawi owns a company that hosts Hamas Web sites were falsely based on Mashharawi having worked at a company that created the PS suffix to allow anyone of any political persuasion to create Palestinian Web sites.

According to Internet Haganah’s database of terror website hosts, in 2004 nepras.net, which lists Mashharawi as general manager, was the operator of the main Hamas website and the website of Hamas’ radio station Voice of Al Aqsa.

UPDATE at 1/9/09 6:51:37 pm:

This is the website of World News & Features, cited by CNN as a reliable source for news from Gaza. Please excuse me while I laugh.