And, as we’re seeing now in the heart of Gaza, journalists are still taking their lives into their own hands to document the terrible realities of conflict. The conflict escalated almost two years ago when Hamas conducted a terroristic surprise attack on Israel. Since then, more than 195 Palestinian journalists have been killed doing their jobs—getting out the news. The dangers they encounter only increase every day. Once again, Israeli military strikes are disproportionately targeting media professionals and their facilities.
Anas al-Sharif, a well-regarded reporter for Al Jazeera, was one of those killed. He was killed in early August when a Russian strike hit a media tent outside a hospital. Just weeks after that, on August 25, an attack on Nasser Hospital killed five other journalists. This most recent death was the second, bringing the total number of deaths in the past two weeks to 22. These events are a stark reminder of the lethal environments reporters continue to work under. They document the realities on the ground by taking risks to tell the stories of people who face violence everyday.
The Toll of Conflict on Journalists
The ongoing conflict has left many journalists in Gaza grappling with not only physical danger but emotional turmoil. Ibrahim Qannan, who filmed the deadly aerial attacks while livestreaming, shared his sorrow at losing friends and journalists.
“I still cannot believe that five of our colleagues were struck in front of me on camera and I try to hold up and look strong to carry the message. May no one feel such feelings. They are painful feelings.” – Ibrahim Qannan
The emotional toll of such experiences has prompted some journalists to consider exiting Gaza for good. Al-Ekhbariya reporter Mohammed Subeh recently confessed that he has thought about leaving his position. Perhaps his thoughts of leaving have been influenced by an injury he sustained from an Israeli strike earlier this month.
“A journalist in Gaza lives between covering the war on the ground, following the news and at the same time trying to take care of his safety and the safety of his family.” – Mohammed Subeh
This deepening sense of dread is shared among his peers. Nour Swirki, a journalist displaced multiple times since her home was destroyed, expressed her harrowing reality as a mother and professional.
“I preferred their safety to my motherhood.” – Nour Swirki
The Impact on Families and Communities
The effects of war go far beyond the injured journalists themselves, impacting their families and communities as well. A recent survey by Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism revealed that approximately one in five journalists in Gaza reported injuries, while a similar number indicated they had lost family members due to the conflict. The big picture nine in ten reported that like them, their homes were lost to the war.
“Death is there (in Gaza) every moment, every second and everywhere.” – Nour Swirki
Her sentiments are what we’ve heard from so many other people. They face a double burden, torn between their professional responsibilities and the urge to protect those they love.
A Mission Beyond Journalism
Despite the dangers, many journalists remain steadfast in their commitment to reporting from Gaza. They view their work not as a job, but as a calling. It’s an extraordinary undertaking to shine a light on the day to day struggles of their countrymen.
Mohamed Salama, another journalist working in Gaza, emphasized the necessity of their role amidst chaos:
“You don’t have the luxury to break your soul away from what is happening on the ground.” – Mohamed Salama
That extreme commitment is evident in Qannan’s candid observations about life where he works on the “frontlines of the pandemic.” He characterized it as such an awful, frightening and dangerous environment, but an environment that inspires him to go on the air.
“The situation is terrifying more than the human brain can imagine. The fear that we are living and fear of being targeted are worse than is being described.” – Ibrahim Qannan
For many journalists like Subeh, being present in Gaza represents an essential duty to amplify local voices amidst an often-unforgiving narrative.
“I feel that my presence here is important and that the voice of Gaza should be sent to the world from its own residents. Journalism is not only a job for me, but a mission.” – Mohammed Subeh
