Young Gazans Turn Cameras on War to Document Life Under Siege

In a powerful report by SBS, young Gazans, including Khaled Al-Kafarneh and Nadra El-Tibi, have emerged as frontline citizen journalists, using their phones and cameras to document life under Israeli bombardment. Both were living very different lives before the war. Khaled was a wedding photographer, capturing joy and celebration. Nadra shared lighthearted cooking videos on TikTok. Now, their cameras focus on destroyed homes, injured civilians, and daily life in displacement.

Since the war began, media access to Gaza has been nearly impossible. With most foreign journalists locked out and communications frequently cut, local young people like Khaled and Nadra have become essential storytellers. They share raw, unfiltered footage on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, giving the outside world a glimpse of Gaza’s human toll.

Khaled records scenes of devastation in Rafah and other areas, filming as bombs fall and people flee. He explains how his skills from wedding photography help him capture emotional moments in the chaos. Nadra, filming from a crowded shelter, shows her family’s struggle to find safety and food. Her videos highlight the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of daily life under siege.

Despite having no journalism training or protective gear, Khaled and Nadra continue filming. Their footage has reached millions, filling the silence left by restricted access and media blackouts. Their stories are not just reports; they are lived experiences.

The report shows how young people with cameras have become Gaza’s voice. In the absence of global media, Khaled and Nadra document not just destruction but also humanity. Their courage ensures the world sees what Gaza is enduring, even when official narratives fall silent.

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