A staggering 92% of journalists working in Gaza have lost essential equipment due to Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the region, a survey by Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) has revealed. The poll, which gathered responses from 383 journalists, found that many have been left without vital tools to carry out their work.
The survey highlighted that 91% of journalists lacked protective gear such as flak jackets and helmets, making it increasingly dangerous to continue reporting.
The survey, conducted between October 25 and November 7, showed that the situation for journalists in Gaza has been dire. Among the respondents, 96% had been forcibly displaced, with 88% reporting that their homes had been destroyed. As a result, 60% of journalists are now living in tents.
Furthermore, 49% of those surveyed have lost their jobs due to the conflict, and 21% have been injured. Around a third of the journalists participating in the poll had been displaced more than eight times, while 13 journalists reported being detained by Israeli forces.
The emotional and professional toll of the conflict has been immense. One journalist tragically recounted: “The house was targeted. My brother, my wife, and my children were killed. I was the sole survivor.” Despite these hardships, many journalists have continued to report, despite facing enormous challenges such as the lack of equipment, poor internet connectivity, and the struggle to survive.
While some have been demotivated by the severe conditions, others remain determined.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate has reported that 195 journalists have been killed in Israel’s offensive on Gaza, and at least 400 have been injured since October 2023.
