A Palestinian journalist has been awarded the Shireen Abu Akleh Prize in recognition of her reporting from Gaza under extremely dangerous conditions. The award ceremony took place in Brussels, Belgium, on 11 May, highlighting the risks faced by journalists working in conflict zones.
The prize was given to Palestinian reporter Zareefa Abou Qoura for her continued coverage of life and conflict in Gaza. She has reported extensively on the humanitarian impact of the war and daily conditions faced by civilians.
The award is named after Shireen Abu Akleh, a veteran reporter who was killed while covering events in the occupied West Bank in 2022. The prize was created to honor her legacy and highlight the dangers faced by journalists, especially women, in conflict areas.
The award ceremony was organized by the International Federation of Journalists and the International Francophone Press Union. It aims to recognize courage, professionalism, and commitment to press freedom in difficult environments.
Organizers said this year’s winner was chosen for her consistent reporting under extreme pressure. Judges highlighted her ability to continue working despite security risks and limited resources in Gaza.
Abou Qoura has reported on several major issues during the conflict, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and the humanitarian crisis. Her work has focused on documenting the impact of war on everyday life.
She has also carried out investigative reporting on alleged mistreatment of Palestinian medical workers and conditions inside detention facilities. These reports have been shared by international media organizations.
Her work has appeared in outlets such as The Guardian, Al Jazeera, BBC, Nawa, Raseef22, and ARIJ. Judges said her reporting reflects both professionalism and personal risk.
Since October 7, 2023, press freedom groups say more than 200 journalists have been killed in the Gaza conflict. This has raised global concern about the safety of media workers in the region.
Organizers of the award stressed that journalists in Gaza continue to work despite constant danger. They said reporting from conflict zones remains essential for documenting events and informing the world.
A jury member said the decision reflected both the quality of reporting and the difficult conditions under which it was produced. They emphasized that journalists in Gaza face constant risk while trying to do their job.
Former IFJ President Dominique Pradalié said women journalists are playing a critical role in protecting public information. She called for stronger global efforts to stop attacks on media workers and ensure accountability.
Another official from the prize committee said the selection was clear due to the importance of the reporting and the danger involved. She added that the award is becoming more relevant as journalists face increasing risks worldwide.
The Shireen Abu Akleh Prize was launched in 2024 to honor female journalists working under pressure. It aims to highlight press freedom challenges and support journalists reporting from high-risk environments.
Organizers say the award also draws attention to ongoing concerns about accountability in cases where journalists are harmed. They stressed the importance of protecting media professionals during armed conflicts.
The prize continues to gain international attention as conflicts around the world intensify. It is seen as a symbol of both recognition and warning about the dangers faced by reporters.
The award ceremony in Brussels also served as a platform to call for stronger protection of journalists globally. Organizers urged governments and international institutions to take stronger action to ensure safety for media workers.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, journalists like Abou Qoura remain on the front lines of reporting. Her work is being recognized as both courageous and vital for documenting events in real time.
The prize highlights the ongoing struggle for press freedom in conflict zones and reinforces calls for stronger protection of journalists worldwide.
