In the desolate southern reaches of Rafah, amidst the biting cold of winter, Mustafa Al-Bayed, a tenacious TV correspondent, weaves a story of resilience against the backdrop of an unrelenting war in the Gaza Strip. Within the confines of a humble plastic tent, painstakingly erected with his own hands, Mustafa seeks refuge for his family—a shelter born out of the grim necessity of forced displacement.

“Sixteen years of siege on the Gaza Strip, marked by continuous occupation, compelled me to pursue a career in media, aiming to convey the messages and concerns of my people to the world through international media,” Mustafa said. “Graduating from Al-Azhar University and undergoing various media trainings, I officially entered the field in 2005.” 

Mustafa’s career as a journalist has been defined by conflict in Gaza for a long time. The current war, unexpected and brutal, thrust him into an unforeseen role as a frontline correspondent. 

Dressed in his press attire, Mustafa rushed from his home to his office near Al-Shifa Medical Complex as the war broke out. Reporting live from the unfolding events in Gaza, he faced the dual challenge of professional dedication and the ever-present concern for his family's safety amidst Israeli airstrikes and the relentless conflict.

“Being a journalist during wartime brings a unique set of challenges,” Mustafa said. “While I am dedicated to my profession, concerns for my family's safety in the face of airstrikes and the prolonged conflict are ever-present. Throughout my career, I have been away from home for extended periods, but the ongoing war has heightened anxiety for my family. Broadcasting news from Al-Shifa Medical Complex, I faced the danger firsthand, with shells falling in the streets of Gaza City.” 

Mustafa's utmost goal is to broadcast the stories and struggles of his people to the global stage. 

“One of the most difficult moments occurred when I discovered that nine members of my family had become victims of Israeli airstrikes,” he said. “Balancing the demands of my job with the personal grief of reporting on my own family's tragedy was an immense struggle.” 

“As the situation escalated, I urged my family to relocate to safer areas, first to Deir al-Balah, then to Khan Yunis at Nasser Hospital. The Israeli targeting of journalists' families forced my family to move again, this time to Rafah, near the Kuwaiti Hospital, where we now reside in a tent.”

“Communication disruptions, power outages, and internet shutdowns further complicate our work as journalists,” Mustafa said. “Yet, we make every effort to report on developments, even in the absence of real-time information. Safety concerns have intensified, with media professionals, including myself, becoming prime targets. The toll on journalists during this war is evident.”

Conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with half of the population reportedly experiencing severe hunger. The World Food Programme revealed that only 10 percent of the required food for 2.2 million people had entered Gaza in the last 70 days. People, desperate for supplies, were seen jumping onto aid trucks.

“As I continue to experience all the challenges, my overarching message is a plea for the cessation of this war and the bloodshed in the streets of Gaza. I implore the international community to find a fair and just solution to bring an end to the suffering,” he said.

"The people of Gaza deserve to live in peace and security, just like any other population in the world. My hope is for a life with a new reality where we can embrace our families without fear, away from the haunting sounds of bombings and ambulances."