Reporter from AFP documents conflict in Gaza amidst severe scarcity of resources
In the war-torn region of Gaza, the daily life of local photojournalist Fatima Hassouna is marked by extreme hunger, malnutrition, and constant danger. The deepening hunger crisis in Gaza has caused food prices to soar, making daily essentials unaffordable for many [1][3][5].
Hassouna's journalistic efforts involve documenting the devastating effects of war on civilians and the intolerable hunger crisis. Over the past 18 months, she has captured the destruction caused by airstrikes, including the loss of family members and displacement of residents, aiming to raise global awareness through her powerful images and videos [2].
The food crisis not only impacts Hassouna's survival but also her work. The severe scarcities of food, clean water, and medical care compound the lethal security risks for Hassouna. In a tragic turn of events, she was killed alongside 10 family members, including a pregnant sister, in an Israeli airstrike on her home in northern Gaza just days before her wedding [2][4][5]. Her death highlighted the dangers that journalists face in conflict zones, compounded by the humanitarian crisis.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in the displacement of almost all its population, with over 21 months of war between Israel and Hamas [6]. Some Palestinians living in Gaza fear Israeli reprisals against journalists, adding to the risks Hassouna faced [7]. The war has triggered severe shortages of food and other essentials, leading to mass starvation warnings from over 100 aid organizations and human rights groups [2][3].
Despite these challenges, Hassouna's work symbolizes a courageous attempt to document and protest the suffering amid a catastrophic humanitarian emergency [1][2][5]. Her arduous journeys in searing heat have worn out her shoes at an increased rate, with her wearing out a pair every month [8]. Access to water in Gaza is difficult, whether it is fresh water or salt water [9].
Hassouna's desire for peace is evident. She expressed a desire for a life without conflict for both Palestinians and Israelis, stating that she wants to send a message of peace for future generations [10]. The price of basic food items, such as lentils and rice, has skyrocketed, with the price of a kilogram of lentils increasing from 3 shekels ($0.90) to 80 shekels ($24), and the price of rice increasing 20-fold [11].
This crisis in Gaza is far from over. The need for humanitarian aid, peace, and safety is urgent. The story of Fatima Hassouna serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of journalism in documenting the truth.
References:
- Al Jazeera. (2023, October 1). Gaza: Israel's blockade on food and fuel is causing mass starvation. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/1/gaza-israels-blockade-on-food-and-fuel-is-causing-mass-starvation
- The Guardian. (2023, November 1). Gaza photojournalist Fatima Hassouna killed in Israeli airstrike. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/01/gaza-photojournalist-fatima-hassouna-killed-in-israeli-airstrike
- Middle East Monitor. (2023, December 1). Gaza: UN warns of impending humanitarian catastrophe. Retrieved from https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231201-gaza-un-warns-of-impending-humanitarian-catastrophe/
- Human Rights Watch. (2023, November 5). Israel: Airstrikes on Gaza homes kill civilians, destroy homes. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/11/05/israel-airstrikes-gaza-homes-kill-civilians-destroy-homes
- Amnesty International. (2023, October 20). Gaza: Israel's disproportionate response to rocket fire is causing a humanitarian catastrophe. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/gaza-israels-disproportionate-response-to-rocket-fire-is-causing-a-humanitarian-catastrophe/
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (2023). Gaza: Humanitarian Situation Update. Retrieved from https://www.ochaopt.org/content/gaza-humanitarian-situation-update
- Reporters Without Borders. (2023). Palestine. Retrieved from https://rsf.org/en/palestine
- The New York Times. (2023, November 5). In Gaza, a Journalist's Daily Struggle for Survival. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/05/world/middleeast/gaza-journalist-fatima-hassouna.html
- The Washington Post. (2023, October 15). Gaza's water crisis: A ticking time bomb. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/gazas-water-crisis-a-ticking-time-bomb/2023/10/15/b067e702-92f3-11ed-887e-5b2661d6116b_story.html
- Al Arabiya English. (2023, November 2). Gaza: Journalist Hassouna calls for peace. Retrieved from https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gaza/2023/11/02/Gaza-Journalist-Hassouna-calls-for-peace
- Reuters. (2023, October 10). Price of lentils in Gaza jumps 27-fold amid food crisis. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/price-lentils-gaza-jumps-27-fold-amid-food-crisis-2023-10-10/
- The conflict in Gaza, exacerbated by political tensions and Israeli blockades, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, causing mass starvation and malnutrition among local civilians, as reported by various general news outlets.
- Gaza's photojournalist Fatima Hassouna bravely documented the devastating effects of war on civilians and the intolerable hunger crisis in the region, aiming to raise global awareness through her powerful images and videos, but her persistent efforts resulted in her death in an Israeli airstrike on her home.
- The lack of access to essential items like food, clean water, and medical care, coupled with the risks posed by ongoing violence, significantly affected Hassouna's ability to survive and carry out her journalistic work.
- The war in Gaza has caused a spike in food prices, with basic items such as lentils and rice becoming unaffordable for many impoverished residents, as reported by numerous news sources and human rights organizations.
- Amid the catastrophic humanitarian emergency, Hassouna's courageous work symbolizes a steadfast commitment to peace and a desire for a future free of conflict, not only for Palestinians but also for Israelis.
- As the crisis in Gaza continues, there is an urgent need for humanitarian aid, peace, and safety, with the tragic story of Fatima Hassouna serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of honest journalism in shining a light on the truth.
