My name is Wissam Shabbat, I am 21 years old, and I live in northern Gaza — a place devastated by the Israeli occupation through months of relentless bombardment, forced displacement, and unimaginable loss. I have lost my family, my home has been destroyed, and basic necessities like clean water, food, and shelter have become luxuries we can no longer afford.
For the past two years, I worked as a photographer for Al Jazeera Mubasher, documenting the ongoing genocide carried out by the Israeli occupation in Gaza — deliberate killings, forced starvation, and mass displacement of our people. Through my lens, I tried to show the world what is happening to us. I believed that if people saw the truth, they wouldn’t be able to ignore it.
But on March 24, 2025, my older brother, Hussam Shabbat — a journalist — was deliberately targeted and killed by the Israeli occupation. He was killed because he was doing his job: sharing the truth.
After Hussam’s death, I had to make the painful decision to stop working with Al Jazeera Mubasher. Not because I gave up, but because I now carry the responsibility of taking care of my mother and younger siblings. I couldn’t risk becoming the next victim.
Since then, I’ve taken on small jobs to support my family. But here in Gaza, everything is destroyed — our homes, schools, hospitals, streets. And our lives too.
Despite everything, I am still here — trying to survive, support those around me, and hold on to hope. But now, I need your help.
chuffed.org/project/help-wis…