Challenges of Journalism and Humanitarian Interventions
Hasan Kureiki, a journalist in the Gaza Strip, spoke about the difficulties he faced in his profession and how they were targeted in Israel’s attacks on the region. Kureiki said, “I am a journalist in Gaza. I have continued this profession for more than 18 years. During this time, I was injured 3 times and lost my legs in one of my injuries. I lost both of my legs in an attack in 2008 when I was directly targeted by the occupying Israel.”
Despite direct Israeli attacks on his colleagues in the Gaza Strip, Qureki, who continues to work as a journalist and cameraman, said that his workplace was hit several times and he lost his job. He also said that he and his home were attacked several times.
Journalism in Gaza and the Reality of Being Targeted
Quraiqi said the following about the difficulties of journalism in Gaza:
- “The Gaza Strip is a region where the hottest developments in the world are taking place, and we, the journalists working here, are directly targeted and assassinated.”
- “The occupying Israel does not want the images and stories about what is happening here to be transferred outside the region. For this reason, they target us journalists and organized assassinations.”
- “Despite all this, I will continue to do my job as I do now.”
The Moment of Saving the Children and the Attacks
Kureiki, who stated that he saved two children during the attacks in the Sheikh Ridvan Neighborhood of Gaza City, stated that he published a video about this incident. Kureiki stated that the video included images of a house being bombed in the Sheikh Ridvan Neighborhood.
He said that two of his colleagues were with him at the time of the incident, but there was no vehicle at the scene; The wounded were trying to get out of the rubble of the collapsed house. “I also saved two children and took them to the hospital. Aerial bombardment against civilians in Gaza was continuing; my vehicle was also hit while I was on the way to the hospital,” Kureiki said.
The Humanitarian Profession and the Duty of Journalists
Emphasizing that they wanted to send a message as journalists, Kureiki said, “Ultimately, with our work, we are trying to convey people’s stories, their suffering and the genocidal crimes committed by the occupying Israel against Palestinian civilians. However, in addition to our lives, our vehicles and equipment are also being targeted.”
Regarding the moments when he tried to save two children during the Israeli attack, Qureki said that he believes in the principle of “Whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved the lives of all humanity” and emphasized that journalism is a humanitarian profession that includes saving people’s lives. The Palestinian journalist stated that when they have the opportunity to save people’s lives, they put aside their equipment and professions and focus on saving people.
Kureyki, who said that the children he saved were the same age as his own children, said, “When I saw the two children, I thought of my own children and my conscience did not allow me to leave them there. I stopped filming at “That moment because saving them in that place where there was no one to help was more important than the message I could convey.” Kureyki stated that he then continued his career where he left off; He shot and published footage of the road while driving and what happened afterwards.
Conclusion and Humanitarian Message
The Palestinian journalist noted that with this video he wanted to convey the message that “human lives must be saved and the war must stop.” Qureki added: “The occupying Israel is targeting and killing us, but we will continue to convey our humanitarian message and the suffering of the people in the Gaza Strip.”
In a written statement from the government’s Media Office in Gaza, it was stated that 168 journalists have lost their lives in the Gaza Strip under Israeli army attacks since October 7, 2023. In addition, 39,897 Palestinians, including at least 16,314 children and 10,980 women , have lost their lives and 92,152 people have been injured in Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip over the last 10 months. While it is reported that thousands of people are still dead under the rubble, hospitals and educational institutions where people seek refugee are being targeted and civilian infrastructure is also being destroyed.
