Forbidden Stories Founder Says Killing Journalists Only Fuels the Truth
December 11, 2025
US Lawmakers and Rights Groups Intensify Calls for Accountability Over Israeli Attacks on Journalists
December 12, 2025
December 11, 2025 – Palestine –
Amnesty International Australia has announced that veteran Palestinian journalist Wael al-Dahdouh will receive its 2025 Human Rights Defender Award, recognizing his courageous and unwavering coverage of the war in Gaza and his dedication to documenting human suffering and rights abuses under extreme conditions.
Al-Dahdouh, a long-time correspondent and breaking-news anchor with the Gaza-based Al-Quds TV network, has become a prominent voice reporting from inside one of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. His reporting has reached global audiences through television broadcasts, social media, and interviews with international outlets, offering firsthand perspectives on bombardments, civilian casualties, displacement, humanitarian crises, and the lived experiences of Palestinians during war.
In announcing the award, Amnesty International Australia praised al-Dahdouh’s commitment to “bearing witness to human rights abuses” and his persistence in covering events amid persistent threats to life and freedom. The organization highlighted how his work exemplifies the role of journalism as a vital tool for accountability, public awareness, and historical record — especially in contexts where independent reporting faces intense pressure, censorship, and danger.
The Human Rights Defender Award — given annually to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary courage in defending human rights — has previously recognized activists, lawyers, and advocates who work at great personal risk. This year’s selection of a frontline journalist underscores Amnesty’s view that safeguarding the rights of reporters is central to upholding broader human rights.
Al-Dahdouh’s work during the ongoing Gaza conflict has included live reports from areas struck by air and ground attacks, interviews with survivors, documentation of civilian suffering, and repeated efforts to keep global attention on everyday realities faced by those living amid the war. Supporters say his reporting has helped counter disinformation and provided crucial context missing from many international narratives.
In his response to the announcement, al-Dahdouh expressed gratitude but also reiterated that the award is ultimately about the people of Gaza, whose stories he strives to share. He framed the honor as recognition not only of his own work but of the resilience and courage of all journalists operating under threat.
Amnesty International said it hopes this award will draw further global attention to the dangers journalists face in conflict zones and reinforce the importance of press freedom as a pillar of human rights protection.
Reference –
https://www.amnesty.org.au/amnesty-to-honour-wael-al-dahdouh-with-2025-human-rights-defender-award/
https://www.newarab.com/news/amnesty-australia-honours-wael-al-dahdouh-gaza-coverage
