During the 2024 war on Lebanon, numerous foreign journalists and Lebanese reporters working with international media outlets were present on the ground. Despite immense risks—ranging from active airstrikes to local suspicion and hostility—these journalists sought to fulfill their mission: document reality, give voice to civilians, and counter biased mainstream narratives.

This article highlights the vital role of foreign press coverage in conflict, particularly in Lebanon, and sheds light on the key challenges journalists face. It compiles first-hand accounts from reporters who covered the war, offering insights for safer and more effective future reporting in conflict areas.

Diego Sanchez: “The Lebanon I Knew Is Fading”

Keywords: freelance war photographer Lebanon, covering civilian suffering, foreign journalists Hezbollah

Spanish freelance photojournalist Diego Sanchez has lived in Lebanon for over a decade. He recalls covering the war as a life-changing experience.

“After the escalation began, I traveled south almost daily. No one was documenting the civilian toll—only the fighters. I felt I had to go deeper.”

Sanchez emphasizes the need to highlight civilian suffering in war journalism. Among his most haunting memories:

• The funeral of three young girls in Blida

• A mass burial in the Bekaa Valley

He describes challenges such as:

• Delays in access due to strict permit requirements

• Misunderstandings caused by rule-breaking reporters

“Some journalists ignored regulations, which made it harder for the rest of us. But as a foreigner, I had to respect the law—no matter how frustrating.”

His message to Lebanese authorities:

“Let us work. We follow the rules and want to document the truth—not distort it.”

Jamie Prentis: “There’s No Word More Accurate Than Painful”

Keywords: British journalist Lebanon, humanitarian crisis Beirut, emotional impact of war reporting

Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent for The National, experienced the 2024 war not only as a journalist but as a resident.

“Beirut filled with displaced people. Explosions echoed at night. I once woke up to a blast just 500 meters away—my apartment filled with dust.”

Prentis had been focused on Lebanon’s financial crisis and political paralysis, but the war forced a dramatic shift in his reporting.

Key reflections:

• Escalation in Baalbek and other areas brought weekly destruction

• Emotional toll: meeting civilians who later died in airstrikes

• A text message from a hospital director—”God is with us”—who was killed a week later

He notes logistical challenges like travel safety and permit acquisition, but praises local resilience:

“Lebanese people showed extraordinary generosity—even at their lowest. What we faced as journalists was minimal compared to their pain.”

Hashem Dalati: “There’s No Magic Formula for Foreign Press Safety”

Keywords: Lebanese media fixer, foreign press permits Lebanon, Hezbollah media access

Hashem Dalati, a Lebanese filmmaker and producer with over a decade of field experience with international agencies, believes media professionals must adapt to Lebanon’s complex security dynamics.

“There’s no universal protocol. Every environment is different, especially in war.”

Dalati explains that foreign reporters are often viewed with suspicion—especially in sensitive areas where groups like Hezbollah operate.

“We had to submit passport copies to security and get clearance before any fieldwork.”

Other critical insights:

• Language barriers and unfamiliarity with local customs limit foreign journalists

• Building trust with locals is essential for safe access

• Journalists must respect community protocols, especially in conflict zones and camps

“Respecting regulations isn’t just about safety—it’s about professionalism and ethical journalism.”

Conclusion: Supporting Foreign Press in Lebanon Is Crucial

The testimonies above underscore the multidimensional challenges foreign journalists face in Lebanon—from logistical and emotional to social and political barriers. Ensuring their ability to safely report is vital to preserving press freedom and telling untold stories from the frontlines.

Local authorities, communities, and media institutions must work together to support ethical, transparent, and impactful journalism—because if these stories aren’t documented, history may forget them.