Palestine: ‘We urgently need support to help rebuild the media sector in Gaza’
PICTURE: Musa Alzanoun/Pexels
International Federation of Journalists
The gunfire, missiles and drones went silent on 19 January, after 15 months of incessant noise. It took Israel and Hamas a year and two months to agree on a second ceasefire deal, mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.
The first temporary truce lasted from 24 to 30 November 2023. But afterwards, for the next seven weeks or so, Gaza’s citizens saw no respite in the violence and destruction around them.
‘Since the ceasefire took effect, the work of journalists has doubled, as it is our duty to cover the effects of the war. However, the security situation has certainly improved. The constant feelings of fear, anxiety and threat that journalists and their families were experiencing have disappeared.’
Nevertheless, the humanitarian situation is extremely tragic. More than 90% of Gaza’s population (1.9 million out of a total of 2.1 million) have been displaced due to the war, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas in the north, Gaza’s citizens have been returning to their neighbourhoods, only to find uninhabitable homes and a shortage of basic supplies.
Al-Atsall described how some journalists who returned to the north had found their houses reduced to rubble. Many of them are still living in tents with their families and in very harsh conditions. Working conditions for journalists remain extremely tough, as they now have no homes to return to, while water, electricity and fuel are in short supply.
‘We urgently need support to help rebuild the media sector in Gaza. Israel’s bombardments have destroyed all media infrastructure in the enclave, and journalists need workplaces to resume their work,’ he told the IFJ.
One year and three months of war in Gaza have devastated nearly every aspect of life in the enclave, where media infrastructure has been shattered by Israeli airstrikes and no newsrooms are left standing.
A report by the PJS highlighted the destruction of 21 local radio stations, 15 local and international news agencies, 15 TV stations, six local newspapers, three broadcasting towers, eight print media and 13 media institutions
Al-Atsall added: ‘Another priority is to provide shelter for journalists whose homes have been completely destroyed, and to work on their reconstruction.’
The valuable support of the Unifor Social Justice Fund, one of IFJ’s Canadian affiliates, and the Norwegian Union of Journalists has been key to providing Gazan journalists with a vital lifeline – the IFJ-PJS Media Solidarity Centers. These have enabled journalists to continue working, amidst the war’s horrors.
The establishment of the first centre in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, made possible by Canadian and Norwegian union solidarity, helped more than 500 displaced media workers.
The IFJ and the PJS opened a second center in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, with the help of UNESCO, and a third one in Gaza City.
‘The Media Solidarity Centers will continue to play a crucial role on this stage, as they provide a safe space where journalists can gather and work,’ said IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger.
‘In cooperation with the PJS and thanks to the solidarity of our affiliates worldwide, these spaces could become temporary work spaces for local and international reporters – when Israel lifts the media ban on Gaza.’
‘They could also provide journalists with access to psychological support, protective equipment and media equipment, among other things.’
The IFJ is working closely with the PJS in order to adapt to shifting priorities, and co-ordinate on how to better respond to the needs of Palestinian journalists on the ground.
Al-Atsall emphasised that the PJS, in coordination with the IFJ, looked forward to welcoming and supporting foreign reporters in Gaza. However, Israel must first allow them to enter the enclave. The IFJ and the PJS have repeatedly called on the Israeli government to lift its ban on foreign journalists, as this ban infringes on the public’s right to know, and to allow media professionals to report unhindered.
But their demands have so far fallen on deaf ears.
How can unions help Palestinian journalists right now?
‘Sister unions can launch fundraising campaigns for Palestinian journalists as the needs are immense in Gaza. In a later stage, we would like to cooperate with the IFJ to organise visits.
‘It is crucial that sister unions and partners understand the level of destruction that Gaza has undergone and the reconstruction efforts that we need,’ said Al-Atsall.
When asked to convey a message to fellow journalists across the world, Al-Atsall quickly replied:
‘[…] We hope that no colleague in the world will ever be exposed to such tragedies and that peace, love and mutual respect will prevail on the basis of human justice and equal opportunities for a dignified and safe life. We Gazans are in dire need of this.
‘To fellow journalists: we need your solidarity. It is time to work together and to press the case for Palestinian journalists to work in peace and safety. And we need you on board to assist us.’
