Introducing Sumayya Wushah: Gaza’s Up-and-Coming 11-Year-Old Journalist

In the war-torn region of Gaza, where conflict and chaos prevail, more than 120 journalists have tragically lost their lives to Israeli air strikes since October 7, 2023. Amidst this turmoil, eleven-year-old journalist Sumayya Wushah fearlessly dons her press vest and helmet, venturing into the heart of destruction to provide the world with an unfiltered glimpse of ground reality. When asked about the inherent dangers she faces, her response resonates with a quiet yet profound strength: “When I go out, I put my trust in God.”

Embracing the Legacy of a Fearless Heroine

Sumayya finds inspiration in the memory of Shireen Abu Akleh, an Al Jazeera journalist who tragically lost her life to an Israeli bullet in Jenin. Sumayya’s aspirations mirror Shireen’s footsteps, aspiring not only to be a journalist but to be a voice transcending borders. “Even before the war, I dreamed of becoming a journalist and wanted to prove myself to the world. My role model is Shireen Abu Akleh. May God have mercy on her. I wanted to prove myself to the world like she did,” she expressed.

A poignant video shared by Al Jazeera captures the essence of Sumayya’s mission. Speaking passionately in Arabic, she narrates the ongoing devastation with a maturity far beyond her years.

The Unwavering Resolve of a Young Journalist

Sumayya’s journey is fraught with challenges. Against the backdrop of a conflict engulfing her homeland, she presses forward with a determination that defies her age. Despite the understandable concerns of her parents regarding the dangers inherent in her chosen profession, Sumayya’s resolve remains unyielding. “My mother and father were initially opposed to this because they know journalists are targeted. But when they saw my determination to work in journalism, they relented,” she revealed to Al Jazeera.

Beyond the perils of conflict, Sumayya issues a heartfelt plea to the world. In the aftermath of a devastating war that has claimed nearly 30,000 lives, she calls for an end to the violence and implores the global community to extend humanitarian aid to the children of Gaza.

As Sumayya Wushah bravely navigates this treacherous path, social media reverberates with admiration and prayers for her safety. Comments flooding in from around the world express admiration for her courage and sorrow for the harsh reality of an 11-year-old reporting on the plight of her people amidst genocide.

_{Repurposed article originally published in She the People}