From the Gaza Strip to the European Parliament: a visual tribute to the courage of journalism
The European Parliament in Strasbourg recently hosted the presentation of Safe and Free Press in the Middle East – Reporting from Gaza, a collective publication that pays tribute to Palestinian and Israeli journalists who have lost their lives—or continue to risk them—to report on the ongoing conflict. At the heart of this project is the work of Italian artist Gianluca Costantini, whose powerful illustrations turn the list of victims into a living, militant memorial.
The book originated from a chance conversation between human rights activists during an event dedicated to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. That dialogue sparked the idea of expanding a photographic exhibition organized by the Dutch organization Plant an Olive Tree, which was dedicated to journalists killed in the Gaza Strip. The exhibition eventually evolved into a publication that aims not only to inform but also to stir the consciences of European policymakers and the public.
Gianluca Costantini: Drawing Memory
Gianluca Costantini’s contribution stands out for its expressive power and civic commitment. Internationally recognized as a comic journalist and human rights artist, Costantini created the portraits of many journalists killed in Gaza—especially where no photos were available. His illustrations, minimal yet deeply humane, give faces and dignity back to those too often reduced to mere statistics in war reports. His recognizable, direct, and empathetic line has supported many civil rights battles, and is now in service of press freedom.
Costantini has long collaborated with organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), ActionAid, and SOS Méditerranée, and was awarded the Art and Human Rights Award by Amnesty International in 2019. His latest books include Zodiac (with Ai Weiwei and Elettra Stamboulis) and Xi Jinping: The Emperor of Silence, published respectively in the United States and France. With this new project, the artist reaffirms his commitment to documenting human rights violations through drawing.
A Necessary Testimony
The book presented in Strasbourg is more than a collection of names and faces. It is a direct denunciation of the repression of press freedom in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, where journalists are murdered, their equipment destroyed, and media outlets silenced. Intimidation and censorship take many forms—and involve both local and international actors. The text challenges journalists, editors, and politicians alike: are we doing enough to defend our colleagues in the Middle East? Are we giving proper weight to the reports of those who risk their lives on the ground?
It’s Not Too Late to Take a Stand
As the book’s introduction notes, it’s better to speak out late than never. In a world where truth is often sacrificed on the altar of propaganda, this book is a call to action. It is an act of gratitude to those who have told the untellable—often at the cost of their lives. It is a plea to protect those who still strive to do so.
Above all, it recognizes the irreplaceable role of art and visual journalism in preserving collective memory. Thanks to Gianluca Costantini’s work, these journalists are no longer just names. They are faces, stories, and voices that challenge us—and demand justice.
Editorial Team: Saskia Kluit, Martine Eyzenga, Joshua Vissers
Design: Martine Eyzenga, diezijnvaardig.nl
Photography: Shireen.ps, stopmurderingjournalists.com
Drawings: Gianluca Costantini
