Media Blackouts in Conflict Zones Threaten Global Awareness and Accountability

The responsibility of documenting and reporting events in Gaza has largely fallen on Palestinian journalists, as Israel has restricted international media access to the region since October 2023. While some journalists have been permitted entry under strict conditions, the majority of reporting has been conducted by local journalists using social media. This platform has played a crucial role in shaping international opinion about the conflict. According to journalist Alaqad, social media has been instrumental in highlighting the genocide occurring in Gaza and Palestine, emphasizing the power of citizen journalism in bringing global attention to such crises.

In the aftermath of renewed conflicts, with a reported 72,045 Palestinians killed, a UN commission has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a claim rejected by the Israeli foreign ministry. Alaqad argues that the issue extends beyond Palestine, questioning the global acceptance of violence in regions like Iran, Congo, and Sudan.

Iran has also experienced a media blackout since January 2026, affecting 90 million people amid widespread protests. This shutdown has severely limited communication, making it difficult for journalists to bypass restrictions and report on the situation. Iranian authorities justified the blackout by citing external influences on domestic unrest. Despite these challenges, protestors have managed to share information using illegal Starlink terminals, although verifying the death toll from government crackdowns remains difficult.

Alaqad stresses the importance of on-the-ground journalism, warning that the absence of local voices leads to a loss of truth. She highlights the dangers faced by journalists, with Reporters Without Borders reporting that 67 media professionals were killed in 2025, many in Gaza. The targeting of journalists and media infrastructure is seen as part of a broader effort to enforce a media blackout, a claim Israel denies.

The risks associated with reporting in conflict zones are profound. Alaqad recounts how the press vest, meant to protect journalists, often makes them targets. The perception of journalists has shifted, with locals becoming wary of interacting with them due to the dangers involved.

Despite the reach of digital platforms, Alaqad remains cautious about their reliability, as content can be removed or accounts deactivated. This precariousness underscores the importance of maintaining access to digital tools, as seen in Iran's blackout, where the lack of verifiable information has left many events unconfirmed.

While social media offers a platform for voices that might otherwise be silenced, it is not immune to political control and censorship. Alaqad believes in the power of collective action to overcome these challenges, emphasizing the need for authentic representation of affected communities. She advocates for amplifying local voices rather than replacing them, ensuring future generations understand events through the perspectives of those who experienced them.

Ultimately, Alaqad continues to engage with those on the ground, using her platform to amplify their stories and maintain awareness of ongoing conflicts, even as she pursues her studies outside of Gaza.