Israel’s targeting of journalists in Gaza spurs growing media resistance

A recent panel highlighted the power of local journalists during Israel’s war on Gaza and the impact of citizen journalism

Israel’s targeting of journalists in Gaza spurs growing media resistance 003
Dana Al-Zyadat, Jordan news
AMMAN – As of December 19, at least 61 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza, the Committee to Protect Journalists reported, and with the latest assault on Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa, and injury of the Bureau Chief of Al Jazeera in Gaza, Wael Al Dahdouh, it is even more clear that Israel is deliberately targeting journalist as part of its ongoing war. اضافة اعلان

A panel session held recently titled "Protecting Journalists, Safeguarding the Truth,” addressed the attempt of the Israeli Occupation authorities to conceal its targeting of journalists, restricting them, and erasing their testimonies.

During the opening of the panel Princess Rym Ali, the founder of the Jordan Media Institute said “This is not the first time journalists have faced suppression and targeting, leading to the emergence of local activists and journalists who bravely report events.”



During the session, civil reporters in Gaza shared their experiences and the hardships they continue to endure during this war

Professor of journalism and media studies at the Lebanese American University (LAU) and Jordan Media Institute (JMI) Jad Melki highlighted the role of media in resistance and struggle, clarifying that when Israel targets journalists, it is part of a broader strategy aimed at suppressing the truth.

He stressed that “The enemy not only targets journalists but also paramedics, the families of targeted journalists, and media institutions. Israel disrupts their work by cutting off electricity, internet, and broadcasting. It also targets the social media accounts of journalists, reflecting the enemy's fear of exposure and accountability for human rights violations.”

He added “Today, our role is to be a resistant media. This type of media is based on principles, including resilience and perseverance. Popular media drains the enemy; for example, when a journalist writes content against Israel, it forces the state to spend money on propaganda against it, economically draining the enemy. Additionally, it nurtures the environment and unifies platforms, calling for institutions and journalists to innovate new approaches.”



Resistant media aims to boost the morale of the resistance, the people, and allies while undermining the enemy's morale, exposing lies, documenting crimes, and shattering its false image.

Nidal Mansour, the president of the Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) remarked "The deliberate and systematic targeting of journalists has become unmistakable, and treaties and agreements have crumbled in the face of this ordeal."

Meanwhile, Dana Suyyagh, CEO of Al-Mamlaka TV stated that while the Western narrative has changed recently, highlighting the struggles of the Palestinian people, the most crucial narratives come from on the ground, such as journalists like Dahdouh and other influential figures, who have also taken to social media, as its impact has become stronger.


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