ABD-ELHAMEED: Social media might be Palestine's only lifeline as opposed to news outlets
Column: Something to Think About
For two consecutive weeks now, I have seen nearly apocalyptic-like videos of flattened neighborhoods in Gaza.
I have seen Palestinian fathers holding the bodies of their dead children that they have had to pry from the rubble. I have seen videos of children shaking from trauma after surviving a bomb that destroyed their homes and entire families. I have seen footage of non-violent, pro-Palestinian protesters being tear-gassed, shoved to the ground and arrested.
Each day and every hour, I am witnessing first-hand accounts of what life is like for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, along with the global response. It is from social media — not the mainstream media — that the public can finally witness the realities of Palestinians.
I am not saying that The New York Times or CNN has never reported on Palestinians or has never revealed photographs and videos of the utter destruction in Gaza. But despite this reporting, I think that it is no secret that some of these news outlets, among many others, have fallen victim to Western biases and are loyal to Israeli government propaganda.
The dehumanization of Palestinians and Palestinian resistance has caused a resurgence in hate crimes against the Muslim and Arab communities, proving that Palestinians cannot rely on the mainstream media for saving.
What I am saying is that social media might be Palestine's only lifeline as it is showing the humanity of Palestinian suffering in a way that news outlets fail to do.
Social media, specifically platforms like Instagram and TikTok, are providing essential platforms for civilians in Palestine, Palestinian journalists, humanitarian organizations and non-Arab and non-Muslim Americans.
I will now highlight the extensive amount of information and images that social media is providing the world that our government and some news outlets continue to turn a blind eye to. While the evidence might be overwhelming, let it empower you to learn that Palestinians are facing ethnic cleansing and genocide.
One Palestinian journalist based in Gaza who has regularly appeared on my TikTok and Instagram feed is Plestia Alaqad. The other day, I came across one of her videos where she recorded the scenes at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
The video shows the area surrounded by numerous medical ambulances lined up, medical staffers running around and tents posing as temporary shelter for Palestinians as Alaqad discusses the worsening situation.
Hind Khoudary is another Palestinian journalist based in Gaza who consistently uploads posts on her Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, accounts.
If you are still not convinced that Palestinians are not suffering from genocide, then take a look at photographer Motaz Azaiza's work, who is also working from the Gaza Strip.
The photos speak for themselves.
Not only is social media able to highlight Palestinian journalists who are living in Gaza, but it has also been crucial for amplifying Palestinian civilian voices and experiences.
The Instagram account @eye.on.palestine has approximately 6 million followers. Its feed consists of a collection of photos and videos taken from individuals inside Palestine. If you just take half a second to click the links provided, you will find a video of a man carrying an injured girl to safety as she cries and holds the Quran in her hands. The account also posts photos of newly destroyed homes in the Jabalia refugee camp where 18 Palestinians were killed in attacks just a mere 5 hours before I wrote this column.
Humanitarian and medical relief organizations are sharing their progress and current situations on the ground in Gaza. Some of these organizations include @thepcrf and @palestineredcrescent. Even beyond the people and organizations who are on the ground in Gaza, regular citizens are taking to social media to illuminate their voices.
I have seen anti-Zionist Jews share their stories of how they have broken out of their indoctrinated bubble of being fed Zionist propaganda their whole lives.
I have also come across non-Arab and non-Muslim Americans discussing the content of documentaries, such as "Gaza Fights for Freedom" and "Life in Occupied Palestine," and books, such as "The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy" and "The Holocaust industry: reflection on the exploitation of Jewish suffering."
Despite the overwhelming amount of information that we have access to in many different forms, it is worth disclaiming that there is nothing complicated about the Palestinian-Israeli struggle.
If you do happen to get around to exploring any of the sources I have provided, you will quickly realize that this struggle — not a "war" nor a "conflict" — is quite simple. If you think otherwise, then you must come to terms that you have intentionally turned a blind eye in the face of injustice.
So please, do not take a break from social media because these videos are "too heartbreaking to watch" or stop posting resources because "you do not have many followers."
And if you have read my words once and have ignored me, then I beg you to read my words again and listen now.
Naaima Abd-Elhameed is a senior in the School of Arts and Sciences majoring in journalism and media studies and minoring in Arabic and international and global studies. Her column, "Something to Think About," runs on alternate Mondays.
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