Journalists stand on the frontline of the Gaza Genocide. [Picture: Hamara/Shutterstock]
Before their snipers are pointed at any civilian or military targets, journalists and media workers are Israel’s first targets in Palestine. This is according to Youmna El-Sayed, a journalist who fled the Gaza Strip.
“The first aim of Israel in any war is always to shut the journalism [and] media voices in the Gaza Strip,” she told a colleague in the media field, Leruo Monang of San African Newspaper.
El-Sayed is currently on tour in southern Africa, bringing the grim realities of life in Gaza to a sympathetic audience. After several stops in South Africa, she headed over to neighbouring Botswana on Thursday.
SMread: Youmna El-Sayed speaks of ‘hell’ in Gaza
Journalists under attack
It is no secret that media practitioners have increasingly come under attack. While covering the genocidal war in the Palestinian enclave, they often end up among its 41 000 casualties.
According to El-Sayed, Israel has repeatedly targeted journalists and media facilities. Not just since 7 October, but in previous episodes of aggression against Palestine, too.
“If you follow the tracks of the previous wars, media officers are always targeted. We’re going to make it impossible for you to go on with your work. We’re going to displace you as journalists.”
“That’s always their first aim,” she added.
Data from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) indicate that no fewer than 116 journalists and media workers have been killed since the latest escalation began in October.
