The Gist Plestia Alaqad: “The Eyes of Gaza,” Witness and Journalist
10 snips
Oct 9, 2025 Plestia Alaqad, a Gazan-born writer and social-media reporter, shares her harrowing experiences during the 2023 Gaza war. She discusses the challenges of reporting from a region labeled an open-air prison, while also exploring the complexities of journalistic terminology like IDF versus IOF. Plestia addresses the controversial Al-Ahli Hospital incident, emphasizing the need for verified accounts. The conversation delves into the nuances of labeling the conflict as genocide and the impact of occupation, revealing the resilience of Gazan life amidst chaos.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Returning To Report From Gaza
- Plestia Alaqad returned to Gaza after studying in Cyprus to report stories firsthand rather than as headlines.
- She felt driven to show the world Gaza through personal narratives, not just news flashes.
Freedom Of Movement Shapes Opportunity
- Gaza residents face constant uncertainty because Israel controls borders and can close them arbitrarily.
- Studying abroad offers predictable schedules and opportunities unavailable to many Gazans.
From Desk Jobs To Field Reporting
- Plestia tried several journalism internships but left desk jobs because she wanted field reporting and interviews.
- She continued freelancing and social media work while doing nonjournalistic roles like HR.
