Israel’s airstrikes and subsequent ground invasion of Lebanon in late September marked a significant escalation of its war with Hezbollah. More than 3,000 people in Lebanon have been killed during the 13-month conflict, which was reignited following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Almost 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced since Israel’s intensified September offensive.
Lebanese journalists, while covering the conflict, have been hurt financially and forced to flee their homes. They find themselves having to adapt quickly to changing realities on the ground, while maintaining a delicate balance between their professional duty to report on the conflict and their place as individuals directly impacted by the events they cover.
Five Lebanese journalists were killed between October 7, 2023 and early October 2024, according to Jad Shahrour, media officer at the Samir Kassir Foundation. On October 25, three more journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike in southeast Lebanon.
Despite the risks, many reporters continue to bring crucial ground-level stories to international audiences. Here are safety and reporting tips for journalists covering the conflict in Lebanon:
Prepare a basic backpack
Journalists should prepare a backpack with essential safety items in the event they are forced to relocate. Keeping this backpack at the ready can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe.
This backpack should contain:
- A smaller waterproof bag with identification documents, including passports, ID cards, and driver licenses. Keep digital copies of these papers on your laptop and smartphone. If possible, save photocopies of these papers on a USB drive as additional backup.
- Technical tools, including laptops, cameras, chargers, power banks, spare phones and ethernet network cables. Update your security software and devices to protect sensitive data and information.
- Personal protective equipment, including protective masks, hand sanitizer, and first aid kits.
- Medications: Keep your medications in the backpack, along with documents detailing the names of the prescriptions and the health conditions they are for.
Read this article from Reporters Without Borders, which highlights more important items journalists in conflict zones should include in their safety packs.
Know how to respond to gunfire and air strikes
During armed conflict, journalists may come under fire during their reporting. Project Hope offers a set of guidelines to help journalists know how to take appropriate action in various locations, such as open spaces, cars and buildings.
Keep your passwords secure
Journalists should use reliable password management applications when possible. Forgetting passwords can be a major obstacle for journalists who are displaced or reporting in conflict zones, as being locked out of accounts can prevent them from accessing their sources or informing their contacts about important developments.
Visit this article from the Freedom of the Press Foundation for more information on proper password management for journalists.
Prioritize your mental health
Conflict and displacement can subject journalists to intense psychological strain. It is essential, therefore, that journalists maintain their wellbeing.
The Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) offers a mental health support course for media professionals and social activists in the Arab world. The course provides practical guidance on managing psychological trauma and mental health challenges caused by living under constant stress during wartime.
Consider also IJNet’s Mental Health and Journalism toolkit for tips on coping after reporting on traumatic stories.
Check your facts
The journalist’s role as a communicator of events on the ground during conflict is vital. As they carry this out, they must regularly fact-check the information they receive.
"Journalists always must be equipped with basic fact-checking skills. This becomes even more critical in times of crisis when the flood of false and misleading information can have a direct impact on people's lives,” said Saja Mortada, director of the Arab Network for Fact-Checkers.
"The role of fact-checkers in Lebanon is crucial. We have organizations and initiatives like the Maharat Foundation, Chayyek, and Sawab that are consistently engaged in fact-checking and public awareness efforts.”
Tap into your professional networks
Journalists should leverage their professional relationships for support. These connections can be vital for accessing reliable information sources, logistical support, or even securing shelter and extra equipment.
"Professional relationships in journalism are pivotal in supporting journalists during times of crisis. They can ease the weight of hardship, offering journalists a sense of social solidarity, not only during displacement but in any crisis they may encounter," said Valentine Nasr, editor-in-chief of the Lebanese outlet, Silat Wassel, who was forced to leave her home in southern Lebanon.
The partnerships Nasr’s platform has formed with local and international organizations have supported her during her displacement, she said. "I received direct assistance from a media organization that helped me secure housing, while the Marie Colvin Journalists’ Network provided psychological support and listening sessions."
More useful resources
Here are some additional resources that journalists can turn to for support while reporting on the Israel-Hezbollah War:
Civil Rights Defenders offer grants to protect human rights defenders and civil society organizations, including journalists. This includes financial assistance for relocation, equipment and transportation.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) supports journalists and reports on press freedom violations in repressive countries, conflict zones, and established democracies alike.
Free Press Unlimited offers support to journalists and media professionals globally through its advocacy work, emergency assistance, advice, training, capacity building and awareness raising.
The IFJ’s Safety Fund provides financial assistance to journalists worldwide who face violence, persecution, threats, displacement, or need medical aid.
The Rory Peck Trust supports freelance journalists globally, including through financial support and access to therapy for dealing with psychological stress.
The main image of displaced women in a shelter, by Sara Hteit.
This article was originally published on IJNet Arabic and translated by Asmaa Qandil.
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