Journalism foundation supports Palestinian reporter amid smear campaign

The Rory Peck Trust, which supports freelance journalists worldwide, has expressed support for Maha Hussaini after the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) withdrew its Courage in Journalism Award from the Palestinian journalist.

In a post on X, the trust said, "Palestinian journalists like Maha are subjected to scrutiny and criticism of their posts on social media, rarely applied to journalists elsewhere."

"The Rory Peck Trust is concerned for Maha’s safety and defends her right, and the right of all journalists, to freedom of expression," it added.

Since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October, Hussaini has published dozens of stories with Middle East Eye, including a report uncovering Israeli field executions of Palestinians, which was used as evidence by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its case accusing Israel of genocide.

On 10 June, the IWMF announced that Hussaini was one of four recipients of its Courage in Journalism Awards, which it says honours remarkable bravery in the pursuit of reporting.

However, following allegations made by conservative US publication the Washington Free Beacon, the IWMF on Thursday said it was rescinding the award.