8 January 2024
In a recent interview with Mehdi Hasan, Motaz Azaiza, a Palestinian photojournalist, passionately condemned the global hypocrisy surrounding claims of freedom while ongoing genocides persist, using the protracted conflict in Palestine as a poignant example. Azaiza, who has been documenting harsh realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, expressed deep concern over the unprecedented targeting of journalists in Gaza, resulting in a staggering number of journalist casualties, including the loss of close colleagues and friends.
Azaiza began the interview by challenging those who identify as free individuals, asserting that true freedom entails the ability to bring about positive change and prevent atrocities like the ongoing genocide in Palestine. With the conflict approaching nearly 100 days of continuous violence, he urged people not to consider themselves free if they remained passive in the face of such brutal acts.
The Palestinian photojournalist recounted the dangers he faces daily while documenting the truth about Israeli terrorism and the killing of innocent civilians. He revealed the personal toll the conflict has taken on his life, emphasizing that he narrowly escaped death multiple times. Despite the evident risks, he remains resolute in his mission to expose the harsh realities on the ground.
Azaiza highlighted the global imbalance of power, emphasizing the dominance of a force that seems immune to opposition, making it nearly impossible for the international community to intervene effectively. He criticized the world for allowing a situation where an entire people can act with impunity, committing atrocities while avoiding accountability.
Addressing the staggering number of journalist deaths in the current conflict, Azaiza noted the perilous environment for reporters in Gaza. He described the situation as almost a “war on journalists,” with a record number of media professionals losing their lives in the line of duty. Azaiza attributed this to a deliberate attempt to silence those who aim to reveal the truth about the Israeli actions in the region.
Azaiza concluded the interview by expressing gratitude for having survived this far, acknowledging the inherent danger faced by journalists in Gaza. He emphasized the concerted effort to suppress the truth about the conflict, as powerful forces seek to control the narrative and conceal the harsh realities of the ongoing genocide.
In shedding light on the perilous conditions faced by journalists like Azaiza, this interview serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in reporting on conflicts, particularly in areas where the truth is actively suppressed. It calls on the global community to reassess its commitment to freedom and human rights and to take decisive action in the face of ongoing atrocities.
