Gaza: Palestinian Journalist Plestia Alaqad Flees Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
“I hope this nightmare will end soon. I hope we don’t lose any more journalists”
Location: Australia
Date: November 22, 2023Updated: 12 December 2023
In a move that reflects the escalating tensions in Gaza, Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad, known for her in-depth social media coverage of the region's crisis, has fled to Australia. Plestia Alaqad's courageous reporting from Gaza has been instrumental in bringing global attention to the crisis. Her decision to flee, driven by concerns for her family's safety, highlights the extreme risks faced by journalists in conflict zones. As of now, 53 journalists, including 8 women, have been killed since the conflict erupted on October 7. The Coalition For Women In Journalism recognizes and honors her bravery and the sacrifices made by her and other journalists on the frontlines. The death toll of journalists in Gaza, 46 Palestinian journalists, is a harrowing reminder of the escalating dangers facing media professionals in conflict areas. This situation is unacceptable and demands immediate attention. The ability of journalists to report freely and safely is crucial for the transparency and accountability of any conflict. The targeting of journalists and impediments to their work constitutes a grave violation of press freedom and international human rights standards. We call on the international community to increase its pressure on the parties involved to implement an immediate ceasefire and ensure the safety of journalists.
“I used to always wear my press vest and helmet.. but lately I stopped wearing them,” Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad said a few days before she managed to flee Gaza. “I don’t feel safe, but especially when wearing the press vest and helmet.”
Alaqad, who gained global attention for her unfiltered reports from Gaza, expressed her anguish in a recent Instagram video. "I traveled yesterday, and this was literally one of the hardest decisions that I took," she said. Her departure underscores the perilous nature of reporting in conflict zones, especially in Gaza, where journalists often find themselves in the crosshairs of violence.
“I don’t feel safe, but especially when wearing the press vest and helmet I don’t feel safe”
The dangers facing journalists in Gaza are starkly highlighted by the death toll among media workers. Since October 7, at least 53 media professionals, including 46 Palestinian journalists, of which 6 women, have been killed. Among the recent casualties was the director of Press House-Palestine, Belal Jadallah, a prominent figure in Gaza's journalistic community and researcher with the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Alaqad’s decision to flee — amid increasing bombardment and military action in Gaza despite a promised ceasefire — was driven by concerns for her family's safety, as her role as a journalist increasingly made them targets. Alaqad's reporting, once a shield for her in the conflict, had turned into a liability, compelling her to stop wearing her blue press vest and helmet.
A few weeks prior, Alaqad's Instagram account, an essential platform for her reporting, was hacked, leading to misleading posts and confusion among her followers. This hack might have been part of a broader attempt to target and undermine Palestinian journalists, suggesting potential political motives behind the cyberattack.
Alaqad's social media accounts, particularly her Instagram, with nearly 4 million followers, have been pivotal in bringing the plight of Gaza to the international forefront. Her posts, ranging from harrowing video diaries during airstrikes to tours of devastated areas, have offered a rare, unvarnished look at the impact of the conflict.
Despite the international attention, Alaqad's departure is marked by a sense of futility and despair. "Reporting and posting about what’s happening in Gaza, Palestine feels pointless," she lamented in one of her posts. Her sentiment reflects the overwhelming nature of the crisis and the limited impact of global awareness on the situation on the ground.
“I hope this nightmare will end soon. I hope we don’t lose any more journalists”
Alaqad's journey, now taking her away from her homeland, is a poignant reminder of the ongoing human cost of the conflict in Gaza. As she grapples with guilt and sorrow for leaving, her story continues to resonate with those who follow the unfolding events in the region.
“I hope this nightmare will end soon, I hope we don’t lose any more journalists,” Alaqad said.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands in solidarity with Plestia Alaqad, whose brave journalism in Gaza has shed light on the crisis. Her exile underscores the severe risks journalists face in conflict zones. The alarming death toll of journalists in Gaza signals increasing danger for media professionals that requires urgent attention. The free and safe practice of journalism is vital for maintaining transparency and accountability in conflicts. Any actions hindering journalists' work or targeting them are serious violations of press freedom and human rights.
Palestinian journalists bear a significant burden in reporting the ongoing conflict. Despite the risks to their lives, their commitment to documenting events in Gaza is both admirable and crucial. The restriction of foreign journalists from Gaza hampers a comprehensive and unbiased portrayal of the conflict. This limitation on media access not only undermines press freedom but also restricts the right to information.
We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities by both Hamas and the Israeli Defence Forces, to facilitate the safe delivery of aid and to protect civilians. The ongoing suffering must be addressed promptly. The United Nations, especially UNESCO, should actively protect frontline journalists in conflict zones, and pressure all parties to guarantee their access to essential tools like the internet for communication. This will not only keep the local Palestinian population informed but also provide global insights into the situation in Gaza during this conflict.
Furthermore, we call on international bodies and governments to pressure the Israeli government to permit foreign journalists to enter Gaza. This will not only enhance the depth and breadth of the media coverage but also offer some relief to Palestinian journalists who have been continuously reporting under challenging circumstances since the onset of the Israeli bombardment.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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