Cameras against the massacre machine
By Jalal Khosh-Chehreh
Journalist
Journalists worldwide face substantial risks in their profession. We have observed the deaths of journalists in different wars such as World Wars I and II, the Balkan War, the Afghan War, and others. The situation in Gaza stands out, as 130 journalists have lost their lives within approximately five months due to Israeli attacks.
The key aspect of this war is the extreme aggression from the Israeli side, which many accurately have said that Israel is involved in ethnic cleansing and genocide in the Gaza Strip. This war, characterized by Israel’s extreme violence, lacks any distinction between combatants and non-combatants, placing everyone at risk, including international aid workers and hospital patients.
International bodies, including the United Nations, have criticized Israel’s crimes against Palestinians, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains unaffected by these condemnations. Global organizations, especially the International Federation of Journalists, are expected to respond more vehemently, given the escalating situation in Gaza. But the reality is that these international institutions are unable to have a positive impact in times of crisis. What has raised global concern now is the possibility of an Israeli ground attack on Rafah, and has raised the question of where the war-torn people of Rafah should seek refuge from the fear of brutal Israeli attacks. Is there a safe place left in the Gaza Strip?
Despite the extensive crimes committed by Israel and the heightened insecurity, journalists persist in the region, committed to their duty of reporting the realities to the world. The widespread protests against Israel’s actions in various cities worldwide owe much to the efforts and reports of these journalists who, despite facing threats themselves, bring the plight of innocent people and Israel’s atrocities to global attention.
In their respective media outlets around the world, journalists have the responsibility to amplify the suffering and insecurity of their colleagues in Gaza. However, the challenge lies in Israel’s approach to the conflict, where victory is pursued at any cost without concern for international condemnation of its unethical and inhumane policies. Journalists, like other non-combatants, become victims of Israel’s aggressive policies, yet they stand resilient with their pens and cameras against the massacre machine.