The war in Gaza has generated great attention and emotion across the world. But beyond TV reports and news articles, more and more people are turning to social media to get a more direct and personal look at the situation. Instagram profiles, tweets and stories shared by Palestinians living in Gaza become a window into this reality.
For many users, following these citizen journalists has become more than just a concern. They feel emotionally connected to these individuals who share their daily lives in a war context. Millions of people, like Noor, a medical student in California, have become regular followers of these profiles. They look forward to each post and worry when the news takes too long to come.
Palestinians who share their experiences on social media thus become virtual family members for many people around the world. Internet users feel real empathy for them and feel invested with a responsibility to bear witness to and support these individuals who risk their lives by documenting the situation. Each publication becomes a window into their daily life, their trials and their emotions.
Indeed, these citizen journalists are not content with simple information journalism, they share their own diary. They tell us about their daily lives, their difficulties in feeding themselves, washing themselves, the feeling of exhaustion and anger that inhabits them. They give us a raw insight into what it means to live in war, and it creates a deep connection between them and those who follow them.
The strength of these publications lies in their authenticity. Nothing is filtered, no retouching is done. The images shared may be shocking and disturbing, but they reflect the reality of life in Gaza. These citizen journalists put a face to the war, they make the experience human and personal, and this changes our perception of the conflict.
For younger generations in particular, these first-hand accounts on social media offer a different experience than traditional media. They provide instant access to the reality experienced on the ground, without the filter of the media. Internet users have the feeling of being able to truly put themselves in the place of the Palestinians, to share their emotions and their experiences.
Ultimately, following these citizen journalists in Gaza on social media does not replace official information or traditional journalistic reporting. However, it allows for complementary insight and emotional connection that cannot be achieved otherwise.. These individuals become an important voice in the ongoing story and their posts will continue to generate empathy and support across the world.