Journalism ResourcesFOREIGN PRESS USAIsrael, Gaza, Hamas, Misinformation, Disinformation, Best Practices

Reporting on Israel, Hamas, and Gaza: Tips and Tricks for Journalists

Journalism ResourcesFOREIGN PRESS USAIsrael, Gaza, Hamas, Misinformation, Disinformation, Best Practices
Reporting on Israel, Hamas, and Gaza: Tips and Tricks for Journalists

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has caused immense human suffering and raised complex geopolitical questions, demands accurate and ethical reporting. Journalists play a crucial role in providing the public with a deeper understanding of the situation.

We’ve previously noted that the war has been rife with misinformation and disinformation that has made it difficult for reporters to fact-check every claim.

And for those on the ground, the situation is dangerous—so journalists should make sure they follow these tips and tricks to navigate the intricate landscape of this conflict.

Report the Facts, ONLY The Facts, and ONLY The Verified Facts

Accuracy is paramount in covering the Israel-Hamas conflict. Provide your readers with facts and figures that you have thoroughly vetted and verified. It's important to emphasize that these numbers are subject to change as the situation evolves. For instance, as of October 24, the Hamas attacks have reportedly killed at least 1,400 people and wounded another 5,400. Israeli strikes in Gaza following these attacks have allegedly resulted in 5,791 deaths and 16,297 injuries.

Furthermore, Israel ordered over 1 million Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza on October 12, potentially signaling an imminent ground invasion. Approximately 1 million Palestinians have already been displaced in this conflict, raising concerns about a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As you cover the conflict, ensure that you corroborate information from official sources and attribute the facts and figures you present.

Here are some resources with reliable facts and figures:

Disinformation is Everywhere

Disinformation proliferates rapidly during crises, especially on social media platforms. It's essential to approach information critically, considering the source, writer, sources used, and publication date. Be cautious when encountering claims on various platforms, as they may not always be accurate. Fabricated multimedia like manipulated images, falsified audio, and deep fakes are circulating. As journalists, it's your responsibility not to unwittingly amplify false claims. Cross-referencing information with reliable sources, especially official ones like the U.N., can help ensure the accuracy of your reporting.

Keep Empathy at the Forefront

While reporting on the major actors and geopolitical aspects of the conflict, it's crucial to avoid reducing civilian casualties to mere numbers. This approach can desensitize readers to the human suffering involved. Instead, center your reporting on the stories of civilians affected by the conflict, acknowledging the pain, grief, and trauma experienced by both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.

In Israel, the majority of casualties during Hamas' attack were civilians, and in Gaza, civilians account for the vast majority of those killed by Israeli airstrikes, including more than 700 children. The ongoing blockade of Gaza exacerbates human suffering and threatens dire humanitarian consequences. Communicate the humanitarian cost of the war in your reporting.

Understanding the broader context surrounding the conflict is vital. Educate yourself about the actors involved, the geopolitical influences, and the historical factors that have contributed to the ongoing situation. While it may be challenging to become an expert on the conflict, interviewing experts and directing your readers to additional resources can provide valuable context.

Questions to consider:

  • Who is Hamas, and how did they come to power in Gaza?

  • What is the history of Gaza and why has it been under a blockade since 2007?

  • What are the geopolitical influences on the Israel-Gaza conflict?

  • Why has a final peace settlement eluded the region since the Oslo Accords?

These questions help give both you and your readers context, as well as help you anticipate future developments and frame your reporting effectively.

War Crimes

Not every civilian death is considered a war crime under international law, but it's essential to differentiate between various types of violations, and to understand the implications of larger claims such as “ethnic cleansing” and “genocide.” War crimes fall under international humanitarian law, while violations of international criminal law–ie, genocide–hold individuals criminally responsible.

The Work is Taxing, So Take Care of Yourself

Reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict, especially for journalists on the ground, can be physically and emotionally taxing. Safety is a top concern, and it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks. Journalists may experience trauma, even when not directly reporting from conflict zones. Ensure that you prioritize both your physical and mental health, and access resources that can help you navigate these challenges.

Here are some:

Support Your Colleagues

If you're looking for ways to support colleagues reporting on the frontlines of the conflict, there are various emergency funding and crisis resources available. These resources can provide financial assistance and aid for journalists facing risks and challenges while reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Here are a few:

Overall, there is no “right” way to go about this and every journalist is different. However, given the fervor that has seized the public regarding this crisis, further guidance and planning may be necessary in order to ensure both your reporting’s success and your personal success.