Inside Gaza: Journalists Battling Chaos, Adversity, and Sleep Deprivation to Uncover the Reality of War

Helmets, flak jackets, and press identification.

These tools serve as a means of protection for journalists reporting on the Israel-Hamas war in the midst of a perilous battlefield. However, their effectiveness is limited.

Security conditions within the Gaza Strip, an area known for presenting logistical difficulties for journalists even during peaceful times, have rapidly deteriorated. Israel is actively executing a sustained airstrike campaign with the goal of crippling Hamas, while the terror group persists in launching a continuous series of attacks on Israel. In the coming days, the situation is expected to worsen as Israel gathers its troops near the border, indicating a potential ground invasion.

Chronicling it all from the epicenter are the handful of journalists stationed inside Gaza, providing the world with a crucial firsthand account of the worsening humanitarian crisis. Only a limited number of news organizations have personnel deployed to the isolated Palestinian region, given the treacherous conditions that characterize the approximately 150 square miles of confined land. And for them, the danger is at its peak. Already, since the start of the war, at least seven journalists have tragically lost their lives.

A man runs on a road as fire burns after rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, Israel October 7, 2023.

Amir Cohen/Reuters

Israel launches airstrikes on Gaza while Hamas' acts of violence are exposed.

Operating a complete bureau within Gaza, Agence France-Presse, a renowned international wire service, has been crucial in delivering recent reports. These updates offer the global audience a live glimpse into the homeland of approximately 2 million Palestinians.

The AFPs camera is positioned high above the skyline, providing a unique live feed from inside the war-torn strip of Gaza City. The camera continuously captures real-time images of the Israeli airstrikes, which have been widely featured on various US news channels, including CNN. In a Wednesday interview, Jo Biddle, the AFPs editor-in-chief for the Middle East and North Africa region, acknowledged the immense risk involved in disseminating these images to the world.

"This morning, during our live camera broadcast, an airstrike occurred directly in front of our camera. It was a terrifying sight, as it was so close to where our camera is positioned on the terrace of our bureau," Biddle explained. "As a result, several windows in our office shattered, making the situation even more frightening."

Biddle went on to discuss the challenges faced by her team of nine Palestinian journalists in Gaza. Due to the territory's sole power station running out of fuel, their bureau had to rely on their own generator, which can only sustain them for approximately ten days. Finding an alternative solution for electricity will be necessary once their fuel supply runs out. In addition, there is a shortage of food and water in Gaza, although their bureau has managed to stockpile supplies temporarily. Communication lines are also unreliable and maintaining safety is their top priority in a location now plagued by bombings and gunfire.

Biddle expressed concern for the safety of the reporters and correspondents on the ground who face the challenge of working in hazardous conditions. They must find ways to capture and share images of the events while also managing their own stress and family responsibilities. There is nowhere for them to seek refuge, leaving them constantly exposed to stress and worry about their loved ones. The difficult circumstances also deprive them of sleep, intensifying their emotional stress, fatigue, and exhaustion. Despite proactive measures, such as providing the Israeli military with the Gaza bureau's coordinates to avoid being targeted, there is always a risk of attacks. This was evident in a devastating incident in 2021 when Israel launched an airstrike on the building that housed the Associated Press's Gaza bureau, leaving a lasting impact on the journalists working in the region.

A group of Palestinians, predominantly journalists, surround the lifeless bodies of two Palestinian reporters, Mohammed Soboh and Said al-Tawil. Tragically, they fell victim to an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. In a bold and unprecedented move, the militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the loss of more than 900 lives and the capture of numerous individuals. In response, Israel executed extensive retaliatory airstrikes within the Gaza enclave, causing the deaths of countless Palestinians. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

Fatima Shbair/AP

'They have made those sacrifices': Israel-Hamas war claims the lives of several journalists reporting from the raging conflict

Biddle mentioned that due to the considerable uncertainties, the AFP is currently developing a contingency plan in case there is a decline in the situation at our office.

He stated, "We are making efforts to create a plan in the event that the building becomes subjected to heavy bombardment. We are in the process of securing a hotel room, although it is uncommon for them to target such a remote location. Our intention is to accommodate our personnel and some families in this designated space."

AFP reporters are constantly venturing out into the field to fulfill their duty of reporting the news. Biddle mentioned that whenever a journalist leaves the bureau, they are instructed to prioritize their own safety and avoid endangering themselves. However, covering the airstrikes necessitates journalists to approach areas of significant peril. Biddle recognized that the reporters aim to be as near to the action as possible, and the AFP allows them to depend on their familiarity with the local region to navigate the hazardous urban landscape.

In the days to come, the tasks carried out by these journalists will undoubtedly become more perilous, yet increasingly crucial. The Israeli military is not expected to permit reporters to accompany their units. As a result, the Gaza-based journalists will assume the responsibility of being the global observers for Israel's anticipated incursion into Gaza, considering that most news outlets are currently stationed in Israel.

Despite the risks involved, the journalists from AFP are fully aware of the gravity of the situation and the importance of their roles. Biddle mentioned that AFP has made efforts to develop an emergency evacuation plan for its journalists and their families, if necessary. However, she noted that her journalists have expressed their desire to remain on the ground.

"They are very invested in showing what is going on," she said. "They are very invested in this."