Keeping Gaza’s story alive: the struggle for a Palestinian narrative

By Iftikhar Gilani

ISTANBUL, Turkiye – As the guns fall silent, albeit briefly, in the besieged Palestinian territory of Gaza, attention has shifted to an equally critical battlefield: safeguarding and amplifying the Palestinian narrative. 

Amidst the devastation, where over 200 journalists have been killed, experts believe the challenge that has emerged now is to protect the narrative. 

This mission took center stage at the Fourth Palestinian International Media and Communication Forum, or ‘Tawasol 4’, held recently in Istanbul. Over two days, media professionals, artists, academics, and activists from over 50 countries gathered to strategize on preserving the Palestinian story, which has long been targeted by misinformation and suppression.

The theme of the conference, “The Palestinian Narrative: A New Era,” highlighted the urgent need to leverage both traditional and digital media to counter efforts to silence Palestinian voices. 

Tawasol 4 also paid tribute to the journalists who lost their lives covering the conflict, turning the event into a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by media workers to document the horrors in Gaza.

Speakers believed that the plight of journalists in Gaza underscores the systematic targeting of Palestinian voices. Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have waged a parallel war against journalists.

The systematic targeting of journalists, however, is not new. A chilling precursor occurred in May 2022, when Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh was shot in the head by the IDF while covering a raid on the Jenin refugee camp. Her death highlighted a troubling pattern, recognized by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which stated that attacks on journalists in Palestine are “clearly identifiable” and part of a recurring strategy.

The Gaza escalation of this strategy has left Palestinian journalists to bear the brunt of the reporting. As Israeli forces ordered international media out of Gaza, local journalists picked up their microphones and cameras, risking their lives to ensure that the atrocities in Gaza did not go undocumented. 

“When the world gave up on Gaza, its people stepped in to tell their story,” said Yassir Abu Hin, a journalist who spoke at ‘Tawasol 4.’

Honouring the fallen:  ‘Last Minute’ Installation

One of the most poignant moments at ‘Tawasol 4’ was the exhibition titled “Last Minute”, which was actually an installation commemorating the 209 journalists killed in Gaza. Designed by Lebanese graphic designer Hana Almir, the exhibit sought to bring these journalists back to life, if only symbolically, by recreating their final moments using AI and creative scripting.

The installation featured the stories of 10 journalists—five men and five women—whose lives and sacrifices were meticulously documented. Among them was Shireen Abu Akleh, whose tragic death has become an enduring symbol of the dangers faced by journalists in Palestine. Visitors heard these journalists speak, recounting their final moments, offering a deeply emotional experience that resonated with attendees.

One story was that of Iman Al Shanti, who lost her life along with her husband and three children when their home in Gaza City was bombed. 

Another was Mustafa Al Sawaf, a veteran journalist with 40 years of experience, who perished with his wife and two sons in an airstrike on their home. Each story underscored the courage of those who refused to let the Palestinian story be silenced, even in the face of death.

The exhibit was inspired by a poem written by Refaat Alareer, a professor of English literature and journalist killed by the IDF in 2023. His haunting poem, “If I Must Die,” begins with the lines: 

“If I must die,  

you must live  

to tell my story…” 

The idea behind this installation was to continue passing the story on to future generations, urging them to ensure that the story doesn’t fade away until the oppressor meets their fate and the purpose is achieved, even if it may take centuries.

Shaping public perception

The ‘Tawasol 4’ conference also emphasized the role of media in shaping public perception. 

Bilal Khalil, director of the Tawasol Forum, highlighted how the organisation has worked tirelessly since 2014 to amplify Palestinian voices. Through media seminars, workshops, and online campaigns, Tawasol has provided journalists with the tools and training necessary to counter misinformation and present an authentic Palestinian perspective.

One key focus of the conference was the use of modern digital technologies to strengthen the Palestinian narrative. A workshop on this topic provided journalists with practical strategies for leveraging social media and digital platforms to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and reach global audiences directly. 

Other sessions explored the challenges faced by journalists in different regions and the importance of international collaboration to support Palestinian media workers.

Al Jazeera, which has been at the forefront of reporting on Palestine, was another focus of discussion. Senior editor Aladdin Hammad shared insights into how the channel has managed to provide an “anti-hegemonic narrative” from an Arab perspective. 

“Al Jazeera’s impact lies in offering two sides of the story, where once only one- Israel’s- dominated,” Hammad explained.

He credited the channel’s balanced approach, which includes Israeli voices alongside Palestinian ones, for its growing influence on public opinion worldwide. Hammad also noted the challenges faced by Al Jazeera, which has lost multiple journalists to the conflict. Despite these losses, the channel remains committed to covering Palestine, offering a platform for stories that might otherwise go untold.

Lessons from Istanbul

‘Tawasol 4’ served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of Palestinian journalists and their supporters. The event’s workshops and discussions provided valuable insights into how media professionals can navigate the challenges of reporting on Palestine while ensuring the narrative remains authentic and impactful.

One key takeaway was the need for solidarity among journalists. The conference called on international media to intensify their efforts to cover the Palestinian struggle, urging them to challenge disinformation and amplify Palestinian voices. This collaboration is crucial, as it ensures that the atrocities in Gaza and the broader oppression of Palestinians remain part of the global discourse.

The conference concluded with a series of initiatives aimed at supporting Palestinian journalists, including training programs, the provision of equipment, and the establishment of a Media Creativity Award for exceptional content promoting the Palestinian cause.

As Ilan Pappe, an Israeli historian and professor at the University of Exeter, pointed out during the conference, the Palestinian narrative is fundamental to resisting the ongoing occupation. 

“The importance of protecting the Palestinian narrative cannot be emphasized enough,” he said, calling out the West’s complicity and indifference to the plight of Palestinians.

This indifference has allowed Israel to shape the dominant narrative, often painting Palestinians as aggressors rather than victims of a settler-colonial regime. However, events like ‘Tawasol 4’ demonstrate that the tide is beginning to turn. Through the efforts of Palestinian journalists and their allies, the world is starting to see a fuller, more truthful picture of the conflict.

One journalist at the conference summed it up best: “We are not just telling stories; we are preserving a history that must never be forgotten.” In a world where disinformation is rampant and narratives are weaponized, this commitment to truth is more important than ever.

The struggle for Palestine is not just a fight for land; it is a fight for identity, dignity, and the right to tell one’s own story. As the Tawasol 4 conference demonstrated, the media has a critical role to play in this struggle. By amplifying Palestinian voices and challenging misinformation, journalists can ensure that the world does not forget the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank.

The conference also highlighted the power of collective action. By bringing together media professionals, artists, and activists from around the world, ‘Tawasol 4’ created a platform for collaboration and solidarity. This spirit of unity is essential for countering the systematic silencing of Palestinian voices.

As tragedy unfolded in Gaza, it was the journalists who at the cost of their lives, brought this story to us. Their sacrifices must not be in vain. Through their work, and the work of those who continue to carry the torch, the Palestinian narrative will endure.