#USA #New York #Gaza conflict #Neal Conan Prize #Mohammed Mhawish

Mohammed R. Mhawish: A Beacon of Courage in Journalism

On November 22, 2025, during a ceremony held in New York City, Mohammed R. Mhawish was honored with the prestigious Neal Conan Prize for Excellence in Journalism. This award, which comes with a monetary value of $50,000, recognizes Mhawish's outstanding efforts in documenting the harrowing realities faced by civilians in Gaza amid the ongoing conflicts.

A Journalist's Journey Amidst Crisis

Mhawish's dedication to journalism is marked by harrowing personal experiences. He survived a targeted attack by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on his home, which was destroyed, leaving him buried under the rubble for hours. Tragically, family members lost their lives in that attack. This incident is a chilling reminder of the grave risks that journalists endure, particularly in regions like Gaza where violence has escalated.

During the award ceremony, Mhawish participated in a panel discussion alongside previous winners like Jane Ferguson and Hind Hassan. Moderated by Bruce Shapiro from the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma, the discussion highlighted the extraordinary risks that journalists face and the urgent need to tell their stories.

The Toll on Journalism in Conflict Zones

The last few years have marked one of the deadliest periods for journalists globally. Since October 2023, over 249 Palestinian journalists have been reported killed—surpassing casualties from major historical conflicts including the World Wars and the Vietnam War. Notably, Mhawish has seen over 50 of his colleagues lose their lives while reporting. This tragic statistic underscores the dangerous environment for reporters in conflict zones, as they strive to document truth and uphold the principles of journalism despite the life-threatening circumstances.

Hind Hassan, 2024 award recipient, expressed the harsh realities faced by Palestinian journalists.