Journalism in the Israel-Hamas War - Project Focus

Rhianne Talling
May 11
2 min read

What’s happening?

This past week Israeli forces raided Al Shifa hospital, and whilst doing so arrested a group of journalists, including Al Jazeera’s Ismail al-Ghoul. Ismail reported that the journalists were stripped of their clothes, blindfolded, beaten and had their hands bound. All of their equipment from the hospital was destroyed.

On March 22nd, the Committee to Protect Journalists called for the release of all journalists arrested at the hospital.

What’s happening?

Al-Ghoul was at the hospital to report on Israel’s fourth raid on Al Shifa for Al Jazeera and was released 12 hours after his arrest. He reported that some of his colleagues had also been released, but he had limited information on their whereabouts.

Israel vs. Journalists

As of 2023, Israel is joint sixth in the world for the number of journalists arrested, with more than a dozen journalists being held in Israeli jails since October 7th. Alongside this, there are 95 journalists and media workers confirmed dead as a consequence of the actions taken by the Israeli army. Israel’s telecommunications blackout prevented communication with correspondents within Gaza.

The importance of journalism

With journalists and reporters being the main source of information for most people regarding this conflict, the arrest and murder of journalists by the Israeli forces obstruct information on the horrors occurring in Gaza.

According to Al Jazeera, the targeting of journalists is an intimidation tactic to prevent the “reporting of horrific crimes committed by occupation forces against the innocent civilians in Gaza.”

International Press Institute

Scott Griffen, Deputy Director of the International Press Institute: “This is not only threatening the lives of journalists who are on the ground trying to tell the story, but it is preventing audiences around the world from accessing the truth.”

Statement by Vedant Patel

Vedant Patel, State Department Spokesperson (US): “We have been very clear that journalists play a vital role and that no journalists should be targeted in order to silence their voices in this conflict or any other.”

Ways to help people affected

There are numerous different charities that you can donate to to help the people in Gaza, but ensure that you do your research on each charity before donating to them. This writer recommends: