After 10 days of silence following brother’s killing Palestinian journalist confirmes safety on Twitter 

Location: Palestine, Gaza

Date: March 29, 2024

Women Press Freedom expresses relief for the confirmation of the well-being of Palestinian journalist Bayan Abusultan, who had not been heard from since March 19. Abusultan, known for her active presence on social media, where she documented Israel’s war on Gaza, was uncharacteristically silent for 10 days. Sources told Women Press Freedom the journalist could have been held hostage. Other reports indicated that Abusultan could be in hiding, facing severe food shortages and the looming threat of starvation. Her last communication detailed the tragic death of her brother at the hands of Israeli soldiers. She resurfaced on X with a post stating succinctly, "I have survived.” 

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On March 29, Palestinian journalist Bayan Abusultan took to social media to declare her well-being and survival after being unaccounted for during a period of 10 days.

The last communication from Palestinian journalist Bayan Abusultan, reporting the killing of her only brother by Israeli forces, sparked fears for her safety as she had not been heard from since March 19. Abusultan, who has been providing extensive coverage of Israel's conflict in Gaza, posted her harrowing account on social media before going silent.

Questions surrounding Abusultan's whereabouts and well-being intensified, with her absence on social platforms, including her Instagram account with over 184,000 followers, adding to the growing concern. Journalist Mariam Barghouti's inquiry on X echoed the sentiments of many followers who have been following Abusultan's reporting closely during the ongoing Gaza war, which has claimed the lives of over 32,000 people.

Sources on the ground shared with Women Press Freedom that she and her family may be facing dire circumstances, including the risk of violence if they venture outside. Speculations about Abusultan's safety are circulating on social media; concerned users have mobilized online efforts to track Abusultan's whereabouts, urging support through the hashtag #SaveBayan.

The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with Al-Shifa Hospital, where Abusultan was reportedly displaced with her family, facing ongoing raids and violence amid the conflict. The hospital, once a sanctuary for displaced Palestinians, is now a site of heightened risk and uncertainty.

Women Press Freedom has documented the killings of 19 women journalists since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. Of these tragic deaths, 15 were a direct result of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. These distressing numbers highlight grave concerns about the deliberate targeting of Palestinian journalists, which could potentially amount to war crimes. The direct threats made by Israeli officials towards reporters and their families further exacerbate these concerns, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and protection of press freedom.

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to unfold, the whereabouts and well-being of Bayan Abusultan are a pressing concern. Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Bayan Abusultan amid her absence and expresses relief at the confirmation of her safety and well-being. The troubling circumstances surrounding her absence shed light on the risks faced by journalists operating in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent necessity for their safeguarding. We implore the international community to collaborate on evacuation measures to secure their safety.

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