Israel’s airstrikes and subsequent ground invasion of Lebanon in late September marked a significant escalation in its war with Hezbollah. Over 3,000 people in Lebanon were killed during the 13-month conflict, which was reignited after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Almost 1.2 million Lebanese were displaced since Israel stepped up its offensive in September.

Lebanese journalists, while covering the conflict, were financially harmed and forced to leave 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 affected by the events they cover.

Five Lebanese journalists were killed between October 7, 2023 and early October 2024, according to Jade Shahrourmedia officer at Samir Kassir Foundation. On October 25, three more journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike in southeastern 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 case they have to move. Keeping this backpack handy can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe.

This backpack should contain:

• A smaller waterproof bag with identification documents, including passports, identity cards and driver’s licenses. Keep digital copies of these documents on your laptop and smartphone. If possible, save photocopies of these documents on a USB drive as an additional backup.
• Technical instrumentsincluding laptops, cameras, chargers, power banks, spare phones and Ethernet network cables. Update your software and security devices to protect sensitive data and information.
• Personal protective equipmentincluding protective masks, hand sanitizer and first aid kits.
• Medicines: Keep medications in your backpack, along with paperwork detailing the name of the prescriptions and the health conditions they are for.

Reading This article FROM Reporters Without Borderswhich highlights the most important items that journalists in conflict zones should include in their safety kits.

Learn how to respond to gunfire and airstrikes

During an armed conflict, journalists may be attacked while reporting. The Hope Project provides a set of guidelines to help journalists know how to take appropriate action in different locations, such as open spaces, cars and buildings.

Keep your passwords safe

Journalists should use trusted password management applications when possible. Forgetting passwords can be a major obstacle for journalists displaced or reporting in conflict zones, as locking accounts can prevent them from accessing their sources or informing their contacts of important developments.

Visit This article FROM Press Freedom Foundation for more information on proper password management for journalists.

Prioritize your mental health

Conflict and displacement can put journalists under intense psychological pressure. It is therefore essential that journalists maintain their well-being.

Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) provides a mental health support course for media professionals and social activists in the Arab world. The course provides practical guidance on managing the psychological trauma and mental health challenges of living under constant stress during wartime.

Also consider IJNet Mental health and journalism tool kit for tips about coping after reporting traumatic stories.

Check your facts

The journalist’s role as a communicator of events on the ground during conflict is vital. As they do this, they must regularly check the information they receive.

“Journalists must always be equipped with basic fact-checking skills. This becomes even more critical in times of crisis, when the deluge of false and misleading information can have a direct impact on people’s lives,” he said. Saja Mortadadirector of Arab Network for Fact Checkers.

“The role of fact-checkers in Lebanon is crucial. We have organizations and initiatives like The Maharat Foundation, Chayekand Sawab who are constantly involved in fact-checking and public awareness efforts.”

Access your professional networks

Journalists should use their professional connections for support. These connections can be vital for accessing reliable sources of information, logistical support, or even securing shelter and additional equipment.

“Professional relationships in journalism are essential in supporting journalists in times of crisis. They can lighten the burden, giving journalists a sense of social solidarity, not only during displacement, but in any crisis they may encounter,” he said. Valentine Nasreditor-in-chief of the Lebanese publication, Silat Wassel, who she was forced to leave her home in southern Lebanon.

The partnerships Nasr’s platform has formed with local and international organizations have sustained her during her displacement, she said. “I received direct assistance from a media organization that helped me secure housing while Marie Colvin Journalists Network provided psychological support and listening sessions’.

More useful resources

Here are some additional resources journalists can turn to for support while reporting on the Israel-Hezbollah war:

Civil rights defenders provides grants to protect human rights defenders and civil society organizations, including journalists. This includes financial assistance for relocation, equipment and transportation.

Committee for the Protection of 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.

Unlimited free press

Free Press Unlimited provides support to journalists and media professionals globally through its advocacy work, emergency assistance, advice, training, capacity-building and awareness-raising.

FIJ safety fund

The IFJ Safety Fund provides financial assistance to journalists around the world who face violence, persecution, threats, displacement or need medical help.

Rory Peck Trust

The Rory Peck Trust supports independent journalists globally, including through financial support and access to therapy to cope with psychological stress.

Main image of displaced women in a shelter, by Sarah Hteit.

This article was originally published on IJNet Arabic and translated by Asmaa Qandil.