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We Need To Acknowledge The Sacrifice Of Palestinian Journalists

Shani Adesanya
Photograph of a protest with a large Palestinian flag and free Palestine sign beside it

Shani Adesanya

Content Warning: Mentions of violence, death and genocide

All over the world, people have been protesting for Palestine. Why? Because we have direct access to people who are there. Thanks to Palestinian journalists sharing their experiences across social media, we have been allowed to see the devastation and destruction as it is happening.

To alert the world of the injustices being committed against them, brave Palestinian journalists have taken it upon themselves to document their suffering. As a result, people from all around the world have formed parasocial connections with these journalists and are pressuring governments to demand a permanent ceasefire. Looking away has become inconceivable. However, without Palestinian journalists providing a window into Palestine, we would probably be left in the dark.

The Deadly Human Cost Of Palestinian Journalists

Palestinian journalists have been working in some of the most dangerous reporting conditions on record. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023. Among them are at least 167 journalists and media workers. This makes it the deadliest period for journalists since the Committee to Protect Journalists began gathering data in 1992.

“Journalists like Dahdouh remind us how important it is to share the truth“

Al Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief, Wael Dahdouh, was reporting live when he was informed Israeli air strikes had killed his wife, 15-year-old son, 7-year-old daughter, and 1-year-old grandson. A few months on, his eldest son and journalist, Hamza Dahdouh was also killed. Despite his grief, Wael Dahdouh has shown strength and perseverance. He told NBC News: “In the end, this does not change anything of reality, and will not change any of our decisions. We are going to proceed as long as we are alive and breathing. As long as we are able to do this duty and deliver this message.”

Palestinian journalists like Dahdouh remind us how important it is to share the truth with the world. They encourage us to ensure that Palestinian voices are heard and uplifted so that their suffering is not ignored.

How Social Media Helps Palestinian Journalists Spread The Word

While photo and broadcast journalism as a form of documenting genocide is not a new phenomenon, social media is unique in its omnipresence. It allows us to see what is happening and has created a more immersive experience for people across the world.

“They post photos and videos of everything”

Dahdouh is just one of the many Palestinian journalists who have gained widespread visibility. Others, such as Bisan and Motaz Azaiza, have become some of Palestine’s most well-known journalists. They post photos and videos of everything — from bombs being dropped, the destruction of homes, the harrowing efforts to rescue people from the rubble and more. By sharing their experiences on Instagram, their followers have been able to connect with them on a personal level. This has led to millions of people supporting their cause across the world.

In London, murals have even been painted to recognise the ‘Heroes of Palestine’.

Although the journalists honoured on these murals are just a few examples of those who work tirelessly to document what’s happening in Gaza. 

Action In The UK

We see the death toll as more than a number through this documentation. People now know their stories, names and faces. We mourn for them, despite never knowing them personally. This parasocial grief has encouraged people worldwide to mobilise and protest en masse for Palestinians.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has continued to organise rallies and vigils around the UK. Marches in London have drawn hundreds of thousands of people. These actions, taken up by many people across the UK, continue to put pressure on the government to condemn the atrocities and demand an immediate ceasefire.

“We must continue to uplift these journalists”

Additionally, the extensive documentation has led to an arrest warrant being issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The International Criminal Court, which is concerned with war crimes and crimes against humanity, have a strong case because of evidence which has been made available to millions of people via social media. And this is thanks to the journalists on the ground.

We can not deny the unjust suffering of Palestinians, it has been laid bare for all to see. Any rebuttal or denial given by Israeli officials is futile. Palestinian journalists have died to ensure we know the truth and that their people are humanised. They died with the hope that all governments complicit in their suffering will be held accountable. We must continue to uplift these journalists and help them spread the truth about what they’ve endured.

We must ensure that the pressure remains on our governments to call for an immediate ceasefire and a free Palestine.

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Photo courtesy of Ömer Faruk Yıldız on Unsplash. No changes made to this photo. License available here.

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