Mohammed R. Mhawish Honored with the 2025 Neal Conan Prize for Journalism

Mohammed R. Mhawish: A Beacon of Journalism in Gaza

Mohammed R. Mhawish, a distinguished journalist, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Neal Conan Prize for Excellence in Journalism during a ceremony held in New York City on November 22. The $50,000 annual award celebrated Mhawish’s remarkable reporting on the civilian life amidst the Gaza war, highlighting the incredible dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones.

Mhawish's impressive body of work has been featured in several renowned publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Nation, and This American Life. His reporting is acknowledged for its accuracy, thorough confirmation, and profound human empathy, even in the most challenging circumstances.

During the award ceremony, Mhawish took part in a panel discussion with past award recipients Jane Ferguson and Hind Hassan, moderated by Bruce Shapiro from The Global Center for Journalism and Trauma. Mhawish shared his harrowing experience of surviving a targeted attack by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which resulted in him being trapped under rubble for hours after his family residence was destroyed, tragically killing some of his relatives.

Over the last two years, the landscape for journalists has become increasingly perilous. This period has been marked as the deadliest for reporters worldwide, with more than 249 Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023 alone. This staggering numbers surpass the combined fatalities of journalists during significant conflicts throughout history, making the current situation uniquely grim. Mhawish has lost over 50 colleagues striving to report the truth amid chaos, echoing a reality that underscores the dangerous implications of war on journalistic integrity.

Hind Hassan, the winner of the 2024 Neal Conan Prize, poignantly noted that Palestinian journalists have been dehumanized and subjected to targeted violence, yet they persist in their commitment to uncovering the truth. Ferguson, the inaugural awardee, emphasized that the devastation witnessed in Gaza is unparalleled, highlighting the extensive civilian casualties and overall collapse of protections afforded to both journalists and local families.

In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Mhawish remarked, "For me, journalism in Gaza has never been a career choice. It became a lifeline, a means to prevent my community from being erased and a way to assert our existence, saying that we were here and that this happened, so remember us." His conviction reflects a deep sense of responsibility to document the lives of his fellow Gazans under dire circumstances.

The Neal Conan Prize serves to uphold rigorous, people-centered journalism amidst a historic contraction in the news industry. As media revenue shifts away from hard news toward entertainment, notable authors like Gretel Ehrlich reminisce about the message that quality journalism, as articulated by Neal, is losing its financial viability in contemporary society.

This award and others like it play an essential role in supporting fundamental journalism, calling for recognition and nominations for outstanding journalists committed to truth-telling. Mhawish’s work represents some of the most crucial and unflinching portrayals of civilian life during the Gaza conflict, bringing to light the human cost of war.

The 2025 Neal Conan Prize stands not only as a testament to Mhawish’s dedication but also as a beacon of hope for journalism in times of crisis. It serves as a reminder that despite the odds, the pursuit of truth continues to be a vital element of our shared humanity, deserving of support and recognition.