When the Internet Goes Dark, the Truth Goes With It

"I believe everyone now knows how powerful social media is, and we've seen that firsthand in the genocide that is happening in Gaza, in Palestine. It's because of us citizen journalists reporting on what's happening using social media."

"What's happening in Iran, in Congo, in Sudan shouldn't be accepted, because none of us should be OK to live in a world where violence exists."

Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad represents countless citizen journalists documenting the Gaza conflict through social media after international journalists were barred from entering the territory since October 2023. These journalists have become primary witnesses to events, reaching millions globally and significantly influencing international opinion. With over 72,000 Palestinians killed, an independent UN commission concluded Israel committed genocide, though Israel disputes this finding. Alaqad emphasizes that social media's power has been instrumental in exposing the reality of Gaza. She frames the conflict as part of a broader global issue, arguing that violence in Gaza, Iran, Congo, and Sudan reflects the kind of world people are willing to accept, calling for universal rejection of such violence.

Read at WIRED