The objectivity of CNN's coverage of the Middle East conflict is being called into question when it was revealed that CNN launched a paid “advertising feature” section for Qatar, the major funder of Hamas, including links to a magazine and a feature program about Qatar to be broadcast on CNN.

The Jewish site Algemeiner says that CNN's website links to a Qatar-focused magazine called ‘The Foundation‘ and describes ‘Inside the Middle East,’  ”a 30-minute monthly feature program on CNN that seeks to capture the dynamism and broad range of cultural diversity in countries across the Middle East.”

Blogger Elder of Ziyon, who flagged the connection on Sunday, wrote, “Does anyone at CNN have a problem taking money from the country that bankrolls Hamas? Is there any question that this will affect CNN’s already poor objectivity?”

CNN’s New York City office was picketed last week by throngs of Israel supporters who called out the broadcaster for the continual spin in its reporting to somehow favor Hamas.