Imagine risking everything to tell a story, only for your own to be cut short. In Nazareth, Israelis and Palestinians stood together, demanding peace and justice for journalists like Mariam Dagga, tragically killed in Gaza. What does this unity mean for the future?

In a powerful display of unity, Israeli and Palestinian activists recently convened in Nazareth, raising their voices in a compelling plea for peace amidst the escalating conflict in Gaza. The demonstration highlighted the profound human cost of the ongoing hostilities, drawing international attention to the plight of civilians and the crucial role of journalism in conflict zones.

Central to the protest’s poignant message were stickers replicating the ‘Press’ insignia, typically worn by journalists to identify them in perilous field conditions. These symbols became a rallying cry, condemning the targeting of media professionals and underscoring the universal truth that journalism is unequivocally not a crime, a sentiment echoed by activists demanding an end to violence.

Among the many lives tragically lost, freelance journalist Mariam Dagga, 33, stands as a poignant symbol of the dangers faced by those reporting from Gaza. Mariam dedicated her work to shedding light on the struggles of displaced Palestinians and the heroic efforts of medical staff amidst the severe humanitarian crisis, providing a vital window into the realities on the ground.

Dagga was tragically killed during Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, an incident that also claimed the lives of four other reporters and numerous civilians. Her death, alongside others, intensified calls for greater protection for journalists and a thorough investigation into incidents involving non-combatants and critical infrastructure like hospitals.

Protesters in Nazareth held banners proclaiming, “Don’t assassinate the truth,” and used the symbolic act of banging on empty pots to draw attention to the severe hunger crisis gripping the Gaza Strip. Their collective action served as a potent demand for accountability and a swift resolution to the devastating conflict, emphasizing the need for peace in the region.

The Israeli military stated it had targeted a Hamas surveillance camera during the hospital strike, asserting that journalists were not the intended targets, a claim the prime minister later described as a “mishap.” Such explanations, however, offer little solace to families grieving their lost loved ones, leaving many questions unanswered regarding civilian protection.

For Riyad Dagga, Mariam’s father, the official statements mean little as he mourns her death from his tent in Khan Younis. Poring over his daughter’s last photographs, his profound grief encapsulates the personal agony endured by countless families affected by the persistent violence and the irreplaceable loss of those who bravely sought to tell their stories.