Israeli atrocities within the Gaza strip because the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion have despatched shockwaves world wide with requires investigations on attainable battle crimes.
Among the 15,000 individuals killed, largely girls and youngsters, are 66 journalists, based on the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. They had been killed within the line of obligation, finishing up their skilled duties amid relentless Israeli bombing and a rising humanitarian disaster.
While reporting in Gaza, Qasim al-Agha, a reporter for Beirut-based Palestinian Channel, and a Quds Feed Network correspondent Ahmed Abu Aziz make clear the traumatic challenges of bearing witness to one of the crucial devastating assaults on Palestinian civilians in latest reminiscence.
As journalists within the midst of battle, they spoke solely to Daily Sabah, sharing particulars and evaluating Israel’s inhumane brutality within the besieged territory by the lens of journalism.
Al-Agha mentioned they needed to proceed journalistic duties amid relentless assaults that created an environment of fixed concern.
“We work in a very frightening environment. Under severe mental and physical pressure. We are constantly in fear for our lives, as well as the lives of our loved ones, especially after the attack on my family home in Gaza.”
Ahmed Abu Aziz highlighted the difficulties confronted by Gaza’s civilian inhabitants and the tragedy of the martyrs.
“The painful moments of civilians, the dramatic scenes of death, destruction and injuries we witness, are part of the hardships all Palestinians endure.”
“But having martyrs from among your friends, relatives, acquaintances and even colleagues creates a significant challenge in carrying out our duties,” he mentioned.
With the ache of dropping family members, Abu Aziz emphasised their dedication to show Israeli crimes dedicated in Gaza and different Palestinian territories and produce them to the world’s consideration.
“Despite the tragedies, we remain committed to uncovering and publicizing Israel’s crimes. In this challenging process, moving forward without dwelling on the past, exposing injustice and the truth represent a significant responsibility and struggle for journalists,” he added.
‘We have Allah’
“We first trust in Allah, then we take protective measures like wearing helmets and bulletproof gear emblazoned with the word ‘Press.’ However, these measures often prove ineffective in the face of intentional Israeli attacks on journalists, the destruction of media institutions as well as the deliberate targeting of schools and refugee shelters belonging to the United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner for Refugees (UNRWA),” al-Agha added.
Abu Aziz emphasised the inadequacy and absence of security tools amid the difficult situations on the bottom. “In Gaza, we face some significant challenges to ensure personal safety while on duty. To secure my safety, sometimes you have to borrow bulletproof vests and helmets from fellow journalists due to shortage. Despite persistent demand, we encounter significant shortages due to unavailability of material and constant power outages,” he mentioned.
“After witnessing the inhuman crimes (in Gaza), I was moved by the silence and the lack of reaction from the international, as well as Arab and Muslim communities. Their silence and unresponsiveness caused disappointment and sadness in the inner world of (Palestinian) people,” he mentioned.
Emotions dulled
“Before the Israeli attacks, I had a phobia of blood and surgery images. However, after reporting on the events, and covering the stories of mourners, martyrs and mutilated bodies, I got used to these horrific images. Now, these incidents have become commonplace for me, and my emotions dull,” Abu Aziz mentioned.
In the midst of those traumatic occasions, he continued reside broadcasts and uncovered the brutal Israeli assaults.
Sharing one of the crucial traumatic incidents he confronted on the road of obligation, he mentioned: “During a live broadcast at the hospital in the early days of the war, I learned that my cousin, her husband and their four children were among the martyrs, while 25 other members of their family were injured in the attack on their house.”
“The impact of this deliberate attack was immense on me. Despite this challenging situation, I continued to convey the news and message of this incident by performing my job objectively and reliably, exposing the crimes committed by the occupiers and condemning the attacks on Gaza,” he mentioned.
Al-Agha emphasised that the bloody occasions have had a deeply adverse affect on journalists, however they can not afford to desert their obligation.
“Of course, the bloody events have a deep negative impact on us and our spirit but we do not have the luxury of backing down. Because we have a homeland cause and it is the most just cause,” he mentioned.
He added that the Israeli occupation has a bloody historical past of killing civilians, particularly kids, girls and the aged. He talked about that, just like the Israeli actions towards Turkish activists on the Mavi Marmara ship, those that present solidarity to interrupt the siege on Gaza are additionally killed.
Likewise, Abu Aziz expressed the deep sorrow of dropping 4 colleagues and greater than 60 journalist mates, emphasizing their dedication to proceed the skilled, humanitarian and patriotic mission of their departed comrades regardless of the ache they’re going by. “Our grief is immense, but we are committed to carrying on their legacy. They dedicated their lives to this cause, and we will walk in their footsteps,” he mentioned.
Source: www.dailysabah.com