Meet Sumayya Wushah - Gaza's Budding 11-Year-Old Journalist

Gaza, a region scarred by conflict and turmoil, has seen over 120 journalists fall prey to the endless onslaught of Israeli air strikes since October 7, 2023. An eleven-year-old journalist, Sumayya Wushah from Gaza, fearlessly dons her press vest and helmet, stepping into the heart of devastation to bring the world a raw and unfiltered account of ground reality. 

When questioned about the inherent risks on the ground, her response echoes with a quiet yet unimaginable strength: "When I go out, I put my trust in God." 

Embracing a Fearless Heroine's Legacy

Sumayya draws inspiration from the tragically departed Shireen Abu Akleh, an Al Jazeera journalist who lost her life to an Israeli bullet in Jenin. Sumayya's dream echoes with Shireen's footsteps, seeking not just to be a journalist but to be a voice that goes beyond borders. "Even before the war, I dreamed of being 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 added.

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

Unyielding Resolve of a Young Journalist

Sumayya's journey is not without its share of challenges. Against the backdrop of a conflict that has gripped her homeland,  she moves forward with a resolve that belies her age. Despite parental concerns—a natural reaction to the perilous profession she has chosen—Sumayya's determination remains unshakable. "My mother and father were totally against this because they know that journalists are being targeted. But when they saw that I was determined to work in the field of journalism, they agreed," she shared with Al Jazeera.

Beyond the perils of conflict, Sumayya extends a heartfelt plea to the world. In the wake 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 support to the children of the Gaza Strip.

As Sumayya traverses this path of unparalleled bravery, social media echos with words of admiration and prayers for her safety. Comments pouring in from across the globe express admiration for her bravery and sadness for the harsh reality that an 11-year-old is reporting on the genocide of her people.