Women journalists gather in a tent in Gaza set up for them by IMS' Palestinian partner Filastiniyat. Photo: Filastiniyat
Gaza under fire
IMS has remained clear and vocal throughout the war about the urgent need for the international community to address Israel’s failure to protect journalists and condemned its destruction of communications and other vital infrastructure.
As of late July 2024, Israeli bombs and bullets had killed at least 106 journalists and media workers in Gaza, including several instances of targeted killings – a rate with no precedence in recorded history.
Meanwhile, Israel has continued to systematically disrupt internet access and destroy communications infrastructure and media offices. And its persistent barring of foreign journalists from accessing Gaza has meant that local journalists there have continued to be a vital source of information for the tiny area’s civilians and the outside world alike.
The vital role that media play in any society is amplified in contexts of fragility and conflict, such as in Gaza. As the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression stated in 2022, in situations of conflict “people are at their most vulnerable and in the greatest need of accurate, trustworthy information to ensure their own safety and wellbeing.”
Information can save lives
When a crisis occurs, we intuitively understand the need for humanitarian assistance such as food, water, shelter and healthcare. What is less well understood is that access to accurate information during crises is equally important. When communications infrastructure and the media’s ability to function are undermined, uncertainty, confusion and panic grow because even if services are available, people in need might not know how or where to access them. That’s why accurate and timely information can and does save lives.
As in every other conflict, Gaza’s civilians need access to accurate information, and the world needs nuanced and pluralistic coverage to enable informed and constructive public debates and guide diplomatic efforts and humanitarian responses.
That is why IMS has remained clear and vocal throughout the war about the urgent need for the international community to address Israel’s failure to protect journalists and condemned its destruction of communications and other vital infrastructure.
Defunding when support was most needed
When support was most needed, Palestinian media and journalists were defunded by panicked donors. This included a freeze on funding to IMS’ longstanding Palestine programme, leaving it to IMS to cover and ensure the survival of independent media.
With support from IMS and others, IMS media partners in Palestine continue to cover the war and journalists and their families are receiving much needed humanitarian support such as food, water, clothes and equipment.
Read more about IMS’ work in Gaza here.
