AN almost endless stream of disinformation and propaganda has accompanied the hostilities in Gaza both in the social and mainstream media.

A prime example of this are efforts by pro-Israel voices to confuse the public about the grotesque bombing of the Al Ahli Hospital, particularly as the atrocity is believed to have been Tel Aviv’s handiwork.

That is why it is important for credible news organisations to continue their work in the conflict zone, in order to keep the public informed, and sift facts from lies.

However, in the midst of the tragedy where non-combatant deaths are in the thousands, particularly in the Gaza hellscape, journalists covering the conflict — especially those based in the besieged Strip — have paid a heavy price.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 17 mediapersons have lost their lives in the current conflict: 13 Palestinians, three Israelis and one Lebanese journalist. Most of the casualties have occurred due to the merciless Israeli aerial assault on Gaza, as Palestinian journalists have perished with their families.

As CPJ notes, “journalists are civilians doing important work … and must not be targeted by warring parties”. While mediapersons are in mortal danger while working in active conflict zones, such a high toll is unacceptable, and reflects the disdain for civilian lives, particularly by the Israelis.

Civilian buildings must be strictly off limits to armed actors, while the international community must insist on ‘safe zones’ where journalists can work freely. And if there is proof that mediapersons have been targeted deliberately — as Palestinian-American Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh was last year by the Israelis — the guilty must be held to account.

There are also disturbing reports that Tel Aviv seeks to ban Qatar-based Al Jazeera from reporting from Israel. Again, the CPJ has said in this regard that “a plurality of media voices is essential … to hold power to account” particularly during wartime.

Sadly, much of the Western media, parroting the line their governments have taken, have become cheerleaders for Israel. Therefore, in the interest of balanced coverage, it is important that outlets that make an effort to project the Palestinian point of view are allowed to work freely.

When the powerful try and drown out the victim, providing a voice to the oppressed becomes imperative for the free media.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2023