Israel's genocide in Gaza forces journalists to apply for emergency support
Due to the extremely unsafe working conditions for journalists in Gaza, we see a severe increase in the number of requests for support through our emergency fund Reporters Respond. The situation is extremely dire for everyone and it has become practically impossible for journalists to do their jobs. Last month, we received more than 200 requests - primarily for increasingly scarce and expensive equipment, but also for basic needs such as tents, food and water. Our figures reflect a rapidly deteriorating situation for journalists in Gaza.
Prices for essential journalistic equipment, such as phones, cameras, laptops, batteries and microphones, have skyrocketed due to the Israeli blockade. As Gaza is completely closed off, journalists rely on the resources that were already there. However, these get damaged, destroyed or are now obsolete. For a simple mobile phone, they sometimes pay thousands of euros.
Free Press Unlimited offers direct support to journalists and media in need through the Reporters Respond emergency fund. This fund provides working materials such as laptops, phones and cameras, as well as safety equipment such as helmets and ballistic vests, and livelihood contributions.
From the requests for assistance we receive it appears that the stock of essential equipment is rapidly being depleted. Our partners in both Gaza and the West Bank underline this. Support is urgently needed so that journalists can continue their crucial work.
The importance of independent information
More than 171 Palestinian journalists have been killed since October 2023. Journalists covering the Israeli genocide become a clearer target and are therefore more at risk of violence. In conflicts information is often used as a weapon, those seeking information are then seen as a threat. A journalist in Gaza is 6.6 times more likely to be killed than a civilian. This is not just because war journalists have a dangerous job, it is now proven that at least 17 journalists have been targeted by Israeli forces.
The importance of independent information became clear after Israel's targeted attack on aid workers, followed by attempts to cover up this event. This underlines that Israeli authorities are not a reliable source of information on the current situation in Gaza and that independent journalism is essential to report factual information. Palestinian journalists are indispensable in this regard and continue to report under extremely dangerous conditions to inform the world.
A member of the Free Press Unlimited emergency fund has daily contact with journalists in Gaza. He says: "Journalists in Gaza and the West Bank have shown incredible resilience for years, despite targeted attacks and bombings. But this resilience is not infinite. We must use the evidence they have recorded to hold Israel accountable for their actions, before it is too late."
The rise of hubs
Journalism hubs are emerging in various places, providing access to power, internet and shared equipment. Often these are supported by non-governmental organisations, including Free Press Unlimited. But these hubs are also targets of Israeli attacks. For example, a tent camp for journalists was recently bombed; it was located in a hospital complex in Khan Younis. This killed at least 10 journalists, including Ahmed Mansour of Palestine Today, who was burnt alive. The images of this attack went around the world and cannot be ignored.
The long-reached limit
At the risk of their own lives, Palestinian journalists remain committed to a greater cause: to uncover the truth. They don't do this for themselves. They do it for their fellow citizens, so that they can rely on independent and life-saving information. But these journalists also serve as eyes for the rest of the world, so that we can see when a limit was reached and intervention is needed. The situation in Gaza is untenable, not only for journalists but for all civilians. We call upon the Dutch government:, draw a red line!
