Journalists killed in Gaza
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5 more journalists were killed in a targeted attack in the Gaza Strip. Among those killed was the well-known Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif. The number of dead journalists is approaching 200. Israel claims that these 5 were one of Hamas’ terror cells. No evidence has been presented. The truth is probably more that Israel fears free journalists reporting from Israel’s massacre in Gaza. The international media houses are now being kept out. Reporting what looks like a genocide is not in Israel’s interest.
The truth about war
In a war, the truth is the first thing to lose. The truth to the outside world about what is happening is dependent on reporting from different sources. No conflict has claimed more lives of journalists than the war in Gaza. Reporting from different sources that convey destruction, hunger, people shot in food queues and children dying of starvation is not in the interest of the occupier.
Israel tries to prevent any dissemination of what is happening, which does not benefit the country. Anas al-Sharif’s report was a depiction of the truth. Not an account on Israel’s terms. Israel wants journalists who tell the story that Israel wants told. This is not neutral reporting, but propaganda.
Journalists are killed in all conflicts
Reporting what’s happening along a front line, in a refugee camp or in an area under constant bombardment is inherently dangerous. Journalists have always put themselves at risk to convey a snapshot to the world.
Proven murders of journalists must be condemned. No matter where it is and in which conflict. Israel’s killing of Anas al-Sharif and his colleagues is a deliberate attack. Israel wants reporting from Gaza that it can control. Control over reporting is an expression of the fact that the truth is difficult and something they do not want to convey. By having control over which journalists report, they have control over the truth. In war, the truth is the first thing to lose.
Sources:
Al-Jazeera: Anas al-Sharif among five Al Jazeera staff killed by Israel in Gaza
BBC: Five Al Jazeera journalists killed in Israeli strike in Gaza