{"id":9874,"date":"2025-07-28T09:27:46","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T09:27:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/?p=9874"},"modified":"2025-08-08T05:06:42","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T05:06:42","slug":"the-israeli-occupations-deception-in-justifying-targeting-of-gazas-journalists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/2025\/07\/28\/the-israeli-occupations-deception-in-justifying-targeting-of-gazas-journalists\/","title":{"rendered":"The Israeli occupation\u2019s deception in justifying targeting of Gaza\u2019s journalists"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lamis al-Astal – Gaza<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beneath Gaza\u2019s sky, heavy with the scent of gunpowder, missiles, and munitions \u2014 saturated with death, displacement, hunger, and suffering \u2014 the Palestinian journalist stands steadfast before their camera, rooted in truth, bearing witness to the ongoing aggression. Yet, they are often transformed from mere observers into martyrs, silenced by the world\u2019s apathy after being directly targeted by Israeli forces. Over their bodies, false claims and fabricated lies are spread, seeking to suppress and discredit the Palestinian narrative through media blackout and misinformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is nothing new for Israeli media. In another part of Palestine, on 11 May 2022, a treacherous Israeli bullet pierced the helmet of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh as she covered an Israeli raid on the Jenin refugee camp. The official Israeli narrative was quick to deny responsibility, claiming that Palestinian gunmen were likely behind her death. A misleading video was released to support this version. However, international investigative reports disproved those claims. Eventually, Israel began altering its narrative, offering implicit admissions while refusing any legal or criminal accountability, rejecting cooperation with the International Criminal Court or UN investigation committees \u2014 effectively burying Palestinian rights in the rubble of distorted facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abu Akleh was neither the first nor the last Palestinian journalist to be targeted. She became a symbol \u2014 a voice Israel sought to silence and a narrative it aimed to erase. In the ongoing war of extermination against Gaza, such symbols have only multiplied. Parallel to this, disinformation has spread widely, lacking any concrete evidence \u2014 all to justify the killing of truth and the press in Gaza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israeli Obscuration: From Assassinating Journalists to Distorting Facts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Deputy Head of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, Tahseen Al-Astal, says:
“Since the beginning of the current Israeli assault on Gaza, Israel has banned foreign press from entering the Strip and reporting independently. This was followed by the direct targeting of Palestinian journalists and attempts to discredit their reporting to prevent the truth about war crimes committed against civilians \u2014 including in hospitals, schools, and residential areas \u2014 from reaching the world.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He adds, \u201cThe pattern is clear. As the crimes against children, women, and the elderly became too evident, Israel sought to delegitimize the storytellers themselves \u2014 the journalists \u2014 by falsely accusing them of being combatants. This gave Israel a pretext to kill them, manipulate facts, and question their professional integrity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Al-Astal explains, \u201cAll registered Palestinian journalists work according to professional ethics, as evidenced by the international recognition they\u2019ve received \u2014 winning prestigious Arab and international awards. Their media work meets global standards of transparency, impartiality, and objectivity.\u201d He emphasizes that due to the harsh realities they face, journalists may only be able to report fragments of the full picture, yet they still strive to deliver the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

False Israeli Claims and the Evidence Against Them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ahmad Al-Louh and Hassan Esleih: Killed So Their Cameras Stay Silent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee published a misleading post alleging that journalist Ahmad Al-Louh was a \u201cterrorist\u201d affiliated with Islamic Jihad and operated in an \u201cenemy compound\u201d in Nuseirat refugee camp, using his job in civil defense as cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Al-Astal refutes this: \u201cAhmad Al-Louh was detained twice, in 2019 and 2021, by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. He filed a formal complaint to the Journalists Syndicate, which intervened on his behalf. The idea that he was later assassinated for being affiliated with the same groups defies logic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He continues, \u201cSome journalists were in Israeli territory on 7 October when the Israeli army failed to protect the border. Their presence and the images they captured were used by Israel to falsely accuse them of participating in attacks. However, all journalists entered after 11 a.m. \u2014 hours after the initial events. Israel then sought revenge, targeting and killing them to prevent further reporting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In another post, Adraee labeled journalist Hassan Esleih as a Hamas operative from Khan Younis, claiming he was involved in the October 7 operations. Adraee included a video showing Esleih reporting in front of a burning Israeli tank, and a photo of him with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there is no tangible evidence linking Esleih to Hamas or the October 7 operation. The photo merely reflects the nature of journalism in Gaza, where political leaders must be covered. Esleih\u2019s presence at the site and his comments are consistent with any journalist\u2019s duties during wartime. His career was well known locally and internationally, with no record of political or military affiliation. He was affectionately known as \u201cthe humble journalist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Al-Astal concludes, \u201cMost journalists killed were either at home, in the field, or at work. Israel provided no real proof. The so-called \u2018evidence\u2019 could easily be fabricated by amateurs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear of Solidarity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is a deep bond between Palestinian journalists and the public, who recognize their sacrifices. But due to targeted killings, some citizens now hesitate to appear on camera or speak with journalists, fearing reprisals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Al-Astal notes that while this group is small, the Syndicate sees such fear as a dangerous obstruction to journalism and calls on the international community to protect reporters and their sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite these threats, journalists continue working. \u201cThey find alternative ways to get the story out,\u201d Al-Astal says, \u201cbecause they are committed to delivering their message and serving their homeland.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sally Younes, 52, says she doesn’t trust Israeli claims about journalists, calling them justifications for murder. She believes the press deserves protection as the \u201cFourth Estate\u201d and has discouraged her own journalism-graduate children from pursuing the profession out of fear for their safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Younes sends a message to journalists: \u201cWe respect and honor your dedication. Find ways to deliver impactful stories to global audiences from all angles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yahya Abu Azab, 34, adds, \u201cIsrael distorts the truth for global consumption, exploiting the weakness of local media to shape public opinion. We must keep exposing the lies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He calls on Palestinians to support journalists by widely sharing their content, amplifying the Palestinian narrative, and pressuring governments to protect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abu Azab also urges the public to verify sources and reject Hebrew media manipulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Few Remain: Gaza’s Journalists Face Death, Displacement, and Starvation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, 227 journalists out of 1,050 have been killed in Gaza so far, and dozens more wounded. All have been displaced multiple times, and more than 175 have fled the Strip under threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reporters Without Borders states that Palestine is now the most dangerous place in the world for journalists. Many are besieged without shelter or basic needs. Over 200 have been killed in the first 18 months of war \u2014 42 of them while on the job \u2014 and dozens jailed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the West Bank, journalists face settler violence and military harassment. The norm is impunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that 2024 saw a record number of journalists killed worldwide, with Israel responsible for around 70% of those deaths \u2014 85 journalists slain in Gaza alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Al-Astal laments the absence of international pressure on Israel to end its war on journalists. He calls for investigations, expert reports, and UN action, and urges the International Criminal Court to finally act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He concludes, \u201cThe Palestinian journalist must be protected \u2014 they\u2019re being systematically eliminated. We appreciate support from the International Federation of Journalists, but we need the backing of humanitarian organizations, especially the UN, and decisive action from the ICC.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear Shadows Them \u2014 But Their Message Is Mightier Than Bullets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Journalist Moeen Shaloula considers himself lucky to have only faced indirect fire so far. \u201cEach time I go out to report, I carry my life in my hands,\u201d he says. \u201cSometimes I survive, sometimes I panic, but I keep going because it\u2019s my duty \u2014 both professionally and nationally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He rejects Israel\u2019s portrayal of journalists as terrorists: \u201cIsrael is furious that we expose truths it wants to bury, so it fabricates charges and targets us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c80% of those killed in this war were people I knew personally \u2014 apolitical professionals just doing their jobs,\u201d he adds. \u201cIsrael killed them because they threatened its narrative.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He says many citizens no longer trust that the world cares, and thus don\u2019t want to speak to journalists, fearing retaliation. Israel sometimes targets people just for appearing in the media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reporter Zarefa Abu Qoura says journalists live under constant fear of being labeled terrorists or militants. This takes a heavy mental toll, but she insists on continuing: \u201cI understand why civilians avoid us \u2014 but I will keep going to tell their stories.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To Israel, she responds: \u201cWe will continue working to expose your lies and defend the rights of Palestinian journalists and our people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe Die So That Truth May Live\u201d: The Final Testament of Gaza\u2019s Journalists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every Palestinian journalist knows they might be the next target. Yet they refuse to let truth die before they do. Each fallen colleague was not just a statistic \u2014 but an eye, a pen, a voice silenced in a world that chose to look away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But they live on \u2014 in every word they wrote, every image they captured, and every tear shed for the silence forced upon them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lamis al-Astal – Gaza Beneath Gaza\u2019s sky, heavy with the scent of gunpowder, missiles, and munitions \u2014 saturated with death, displacement, hunger, and suffering \u2014 the Palestinian journalist stands steadfast before their camera, rooted in truth, bearing witness to the ongoing aggression. Yet, they are often transformed from mere observers into martyrs, silenced by the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9949,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[445,57,95,1013,572,46,1027,1040],"class_list":{"0":"post-9874","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-facts-in-english","8":"tag-famine","9":"tag-gaza","10":"tag-genocide","11":"tag-israeli-war-crimes","12":"tag-journalists","13":"tag-palestine","14":"tag-palestinian-journalists","15":"tag-starvation"},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9874"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9874\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9902,"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9874\/revisions\/9902"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kashif.ps\/en\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}