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January 13, 2025 – Palestine/Israel –
Abubaker Abed, a 22-year-old Palestinian journalist from Deir al-Balah, has become one of the most powerful voices documenting the human cost of war in Gaza. Originally a sports commentator, Abed transformed into a frontline war reporter amid Israel’s relentless bombardment. In a recent interview with Democracy Now!, he shared his harrowing experience and the emotional toll of covering atrocities while living through them.
Abed described Gaza as “a mass grave,” saying that journalists on the ground are not only recording the war—they are surviving it. He detailed how he and others reported in extreme conditions, facing malnutrition, displacement, and constant fear. “I am a physical survivor, but not an emotional one,” he said, explaining how the trauma of what he witnessed continues to haunt him, even after his evacuation to Ireland.
What makes Abed’s story especially compelling is his critique of the global media landscape. He called out international news organizations for ignoring or sidelining Palestinian voices. “We are documenting our genocide,” he said, urging global media outlets to amplify the testimonies of local reporters who understand the context, language, and stakes.
By January 2025, nearly 200 journalists—most of them Palestinian—had been killed in Gaza, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Abed pointed to the vast disparities in how foreign and local journalists are treated: while international correspondents often receive thousands of dollars a week and security support, Palestinian journalists risk their lives for a fraction of the pay, sometimes without any organizational backing.
Despite now being in safety, Abed said he continues to receive threats and feels a deep sense of survivor’s guilt. He remains committed to telling Gaza’s story, urging the international community to recognize the sacrifices of Palestinian journalists and to stand in solidarity with them.
Abubaker Abed’s voice is a testament to courage, resilience, and the indispensable role of local journalists in times of war. His message is clear: journalism is not a crime, and silencing those who document the truth is a threat to justice everywhere.
Reference –
“Journalism Is Not a Crime”: Gaza Reporter Slams International Press as Journalist Death Toll Rises
