For over 14 months Palestinian journalists have been ignored & undermined despite the deadly work they do to inform us of Israel’s crimes, writes Afroze Zaidi.
Afroze Fatima Zaidi
23 Dec, 2024
NEW ARAB
'CPJ reported that at least four journalists have been killed by Israel in the past week alone: Ahmed Al-Louh, Mohammed Balousha, Mohammed Al-Qrinawi and Iman Al-Shanti', writes Afroze Zaidi. [GETTY]
In the past fourteen months, Israel has killed a reported 196 journalists as part of its genocide in Gaza. On 16 December, the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) gave a conservative death toll of 133 journalists while condemning Israel’s impunity amid the rising number being murdered in Gaza.
CPJ reported that at least four journalists have been killed by Israel in the past week alone: Ahmed Al-Louh, Mohammed Balousha, Mohammed Al-Qrinawi and Iman Al-Shanti. They all appear to have been targeted by Israel through direct strikes. In the case of Al-Qrinawi and Al-Shanti, their families were also slaughtered along with them.
These are only some of the latest reported incidents of Israel’s deliberate targeting of journalists. In the case of Mohammed Balousha, it hardly seems a coincidence that he was the one who broke the story about bodies of premature babies left to decompose in Gaza’s Al-Nasr hospital. After shooting and injuring him exactly one year ago, Israeli forces have now succeeded in killing him.
Palestinian-American journalist Mariam Barghouti, while reporting Al-Louh’s killing on Twitter/X, noted: “Every 50 hours a journalist is killed in Gaza”. Meanwhile CPJ added that journalists in the north of Gaza “are facing catastrophic conditions, saying ethnic cleansing is happening in a news void in northern Gaza.”
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There’s little question that one of the main reasons for us having a record of the atrocities Israel has committed in Gaza is the reporting of local journalists. While some of them were able to flee, others such as Hossam Shbat, Hind Khoudary and Bisan Owda have stayed behind to continue vital reporting on the ground.
So when Foreign Secretary David Lammy dared to remark at the end of November that “there are no journalists in Gaza”, this reflected at least two things. Firstly, in the interests of Western-backed imperialism, the suffering and literal genocide of indigenous groups are actively erased. Second, these imperialist forces don’t consider Palestinians to be reliable sources and reporters of their own stories.
Without a doubt, this silencing and erasure further compounds the injustice experienced by Palestinians amidst their ongoing genocide. Apart from those killed, at least 49 journalists have been reportedly injured, and two are missing. A further 75 have been illegally detained by Israel.
How heart-breaking it must be to be a journalist in Gaza, not only witnessing the genocide of your people and documenting it in vain, but also experiencing the dehumanisation as a Palestinian which completely erases both your suffering and your journalistic contribution.
It is utterly shameful that, in the midst of this, journalists in the West, especially from mainstream outlets, have expressed little to no support towards their colleagues in Gaza. At best, they have stood idly by without making any show of solidarity. At worst, they have actively enabled Israel’s genocidal agenda.
Historian Assal Rad is among those who have extensively documented the use of passive voice by mainstream Western media outlets such as the New York Times, CNN, BBC and Associated Press. The BBC has faced criticism from its own staff for its clear pro-Israel bias and its policy of prioritising Israel’s right to defend itself.
Within this context, it’s no wonder, then, that Israel has carried out its targeted campaign against journalists in Gaza - as well as healthcare and aid workers - with impunity. Because Israel is well aware that Western governments and media are standing by, willing and eager to erase and minimise its crimes.
What else would explain the silence of Western politicians and media on Israel’s targeting of journalists in particular? As Amnesty International Australia gave its Human Rights Defender Award to journalists from Gaza, the news barely appears to have been reported by mainstream media. Similarly, with at least 133 journalists now confirmed dead in Gaza, many of them deliberately targeted while wearing press vests, it’s been difficult to find a mainstream outlet that has considered this newsworthy.
Journalism - real, independent journalism, that is - plays a key function in democratic accountability. So by erasing the contributions and sacrifices of journalists in Gaza, Western politicians and media outlets are actively hindering accountability for Israel and ensuring its impunity. While rumours of a ceasefire circulate, people continue to suffer under constant threat of bombardment, starvation, and little to no medical aid.
Meanwhile, for supporters of the Palestinian people, it’s terrifying to see updates from Bisan, Hossam, Hind, and other journalists and wonder if they will survive to see another day, or if any given post might be their last. In the midst of this, it’s imperative that journalists of conscience are highlighting their struggles, amplifying their stories, and doing what they can to hold Israel accountable.
One thing is for sure: regardless of the best efforts of those in power to erase the genocide in Gaza in general and Israel’s silencing of journalists in particular, we are bearing witness. We are keeping records. The day will come when no amount of gaslighting will be enough to save the Israeli occupation. And it will be thanks, in no small part, to the literal blood, sweat, and tears of journalists in Gaza.
Afroze Fatima Zaidi is a writer, editor and journalist. She has a background in academia and writing for online platforms.
Follow her on X: @afrozefz
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