In June, a new war broke out in the region, known as the “12-Day War,” during which Israel launched an offensive against Iran, and the United States bombed Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. This escalation heightened fears of the conflict spreading to other countries allied with Iran, such as Lebanon and Iraq. While avoiding the specifics of the battlefield, this conflict added to the growing list of challenges facing Qarib’s media partners in the region—many of whom operate in countries directly affected by the tensions, particularly Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan.

Despite these circumstances, partners continued to produce a wide array of content. In June alone, Qarib partners created dozens of media pieces across various platforms, maintaining a monthly average of around 200 outputs. For example, in May, partners produced 196 media pieces through the Qarib program, showcasing diverse topics and formats.

New Partner from Palestine: Shamma TV

Qarib recently welcomed a new independent media platform from Palestine: Shamma TV. This youth-led initiative was launched at An-Najah National University by a group of students eager to create a media space that amplifies youth voices and fosters independent expression.

One of the co-founders, Laith Hassoun, explains that the platform was born from an entrepreneurial idea to empower youth by producing meaningful content and offering hands-on media training for journalism students. The team behind Shamma TV is entirely composed of passionate young professionals working to reflect their realities and aspirations through media.

Shortly after its launch, Shamma TV received technical support from Al-Najah TV, which boosted its production capabilities. The university served as the platform’s first incubator. Within its first year, Shamma TV trained 30 students, significantly enhancing their media production skills. Support from the Qarib project later enabled the platform to expand more rapidly and strengthen its administrative and production capacities.

Qarib’s Palestinian Partners Gather in Ramallah

Qarib, represented by Program Director Henrik Ahrens, organized a full-day in-person meeting at the Institut Français in Ramallah. The event brought together representatives from more than 30 Palestinian media outlets from Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

This rare opportunity for open dialogue focused on the core challenges of independent journalism in Palestine. Discussions highlighted editorial independence, journalist safety, and the psychological and operational toll of working under occupation, censorship, and shrinking civic space. Participants reaffirmed the value of Qarib as one of the few programs providing flexible, trust-based, and sustained support to local media.

The gathering also featured a lunch session with Nicolas Kassianides, Consul General of France in Jerusalem, and Romaric Roignan, Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs—reflecting France’s continued commitment to supporting independent media in the region.

The meeting reaffirmed Qarib’s vital role as a platform for resilience, collaboration, and local journalism in Palestine.

Lebanon: Investigative Journalism Halts Controversial Project

In Lebanon, independent media again proved its importance in exposing corruption and safeguarding public interest.

Amid the war in southern Lebanon in August 2024, a major investment project emerged near the Tyre Nature Reserve on public land. Qarib’s partner, Mantaqnet.com, was the first to investigate the project, naming it “The Suspicious Project.” The site lacked environmental assessments, permits, or approval from relevant ministries. Moreover, the land is classified as an archaeological area under the Ministry of Culture.

Mantaqnet pursued the story with determination—publishing multiple reports and videos, raising questions about legal violations and the parties behind the project. During one of these field investigations, journalist Mahdi Karim was detained by the Lebanese Army’s intelligence unit in Saida. His arrest prompted widespread condemnation and led to his release. The “Alternative Syndicate,” supported by Qarib to provide legal aid to persecuted journalists, dispatched a lawyer to follow the case.

By the end of June, following relentless media coverage and public pressure—culminating in a legal complaint by the environmental group Green South—the army commander ordered a suspension of the project’s activities.

Iraq: Stories of Success Despite Uncertainty

Despite the regional instability following Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent Iranian response, Qarib’s Iraqi partners continued their media production.

• Ezidi24 covered the story of a prominent Iraqi female author known for her award-winning short stories and novels.
  ezidi24.com

• Tawasul Radio aired a success story about a female engineer leading reconstruction projects in Karbala.
  Watch the video

• Yalla Platform highlighted the critical role of digital media among youth and the dangers of fake news.
  Watch the video

From Jordan

• Aramram Platform produced a report on an initiative integrating persons with disabilities into tourism activities.
  Watch the video

Partner News

Our colleague Karem Monzer recently assumed leadership of Beirut Today and relaunched it with diverse content under the support of Qarib. He wrote about his experience in a piece titled:
“Strengthening Beirut Today’s Editorial and Digital Presence with Qarib’s Support“

Qarib Community Sessions: A Space for Learning and Exchange

As part of its ongoing support for journalists in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine, Qarib continues to host short, interactive community sessions via Zoom and its private Facebook group. These sessions last between 35 and 45 minutes and are led by guest speakers offering practical tips on topics requested by journalists themselves.

Past sessions have tackled topics such as fact-checking, mental health for journalists, storytelling, and the use of artificial intelligence.

The upcoming session will focus on digital security for journalists, offering essential tools and tips to protect online presence and privacy amid today’s challenges.

Join Qarib’s community today for more exclusive content and opportunities