May 20, 2021- Gaza-based photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf was forced to evacuate her family after an Israeli missile struck her neighbor’s home. Samar is just one example of the thousands of Palestinians displaced by the relentless Israeli air raids. Thankfully, the journalist and her family were able to escape the attack unscathed. Despite the destruction, Samar continues to document the ongoing conflict through her photographs.  CFWIJ condemns the brutal bombardments in Gaza, and we stand in solidarity with Samar.  

For the past two weeks, the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict has become increasingly violent.  With regular rocket exchange and daily Israeli air raids, residents of Gaza live in constant fear.  Given the population density and closed borders, Palestinians have nowhere to run.  Photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf was in the field when her neighbor’s house was hit by an Israeli missile. She immediately hurried home and hastily evacuated her family to safety. 

While the nature of the attack is unclear, Israel has targeted media organizations with their destructive air raids.  Just last week, Israeli forces bombed a multi-story building known to house The Associated Press and Al Jazeera news agencies. Following the strike, our partners at MCJN reported this case. 

Samar, a freelance photographer, often featured in The New York Times, spoke to Al Jazeera about the dangers of covering an active warzone. As a mother of four children, she is not the only one at risk. “The bombing is everywhere...it’s really hard to leave your children alone”, she shared.  Samar’s fears were well-founded— days before speaking with the news outlet, she and her family had to flee their home after a missile destroyed the building next door. Samar recounted the traumatizing attack, “Those were horrific moments…My home was badly damaged by the bombing. Shrapnel from the missile penetrated the roof”.  Luckily, Samar and her family were not injured and were able to escape safely. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns Israel’s merciless attacks on Gaza.  Israel’s calculated targeting of media organizations is cause for great concern.  Journalists like Samar, who courageously cover the conflict zone, should be able to report freely, without persistent threats from the Israel Defense Forces.  We commend Samar and extend our support to all journalists risking their lives in Gaza.