The genocide in Gaza is not just a story; it’s a lived reality for millions. As bombs fall and entire neighborhoods are reduced to rubble, journalists work tirelessly to ensure the world doesn’t look away. Among them is Chima El Bialy, a veteran Al Jazeera reporter with 15 years of experience.
Reporting from Doha, she amplifies the voices of those on the ground, highlighting the immense challenges journalists in Gaza face as they navigate bombings, censorship, and the constant threat of death.
El Bialy’s years of experience covering the region give her a deep understanding of the situation. “The attacks on Gaza are permanent,” she states. “The incursions and raids on the occupied West Bank are permanent.”
Her work relies on the courage of Al Jazeera’s journalists who remain inside Gaza, many of whom have lost homes, colleagues, and even family members while continuing to report. “Our colleagues inside Gaza are also displaced. They’re also facing the threat of bombings and shelling,” she shares. Their dedication ensures that the world sees the reality of life under occupation.
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The battle over truth
Ethical journalism has always been a battleground, but in Palestine, it is an outright war. Reporters face censorship from both Israeli and Palestinian authorities, with narratives tightly controlled to suit political agendas. Al Jazeera’s coverage has been heavily restricted, reflecting the broader effort to silence Palestinian voices. Yet, journalists continue to push back, refusing to let the truth be buried under propaganda.
The genocide in Gaza is not covered the same way as other global crises. Corporate media often downplays the scale of Palestinian suffering, framing Israeli attacks as “self-defense” while resistance is labeled as “terrorism.” This double standard dehumanizes Palestinians and perpetuates the idea that their lives are expendable.
However, social media has emerged as a powerful tool, providing raw, unfiltered footage that mainstream news outlets often ignore. The images of families searching for loved ones beneath rubble, of journalists breaking down in the middle of live reports—these are the moments that cut through propaganda.
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The uncertain future of Palestine
Beyond the immediate horrors of war, questions remain about Palestine’s political future. With the Palestinian Authority losing credibility and resistance movements gaining traction, governance remains in flux.
Meanwhile, international ceasefire agreements are repeatedly violated. “I never believed they would abide by the ceasefire,” El Bialy remarks. “Israel never respected any ceasefire agreement in the past.” Her words reflect a painful truth: peace remains elusive.
Despite everything, journalists continue to tell the stories that many would rather ignore. They risk their safety to expose war crimes, to amplify the voices of the voiceless. Their work is a reminder that ethical journalism is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Without it, history is written by the oppressors.
For Palestinians, survival is an act of resistance. For journalists, telling the truth is theirs.
