Al-Quds Newspaper: The Unofficial Spokesperson for the Palestinians

The fact that Al-Quds newspaper has reached a circulation of 20,000 indicates its ability to endure and continue as a leading media outlet, despite the tremendous developments and transformations in the media industry, technology, and techniques used. This is simply because it enjoys the trust of its audience, who rely on it as a primary source of information, whether in the West Bank, Jerusalem, or other regions.

This is due to Al-Quds' status and leadership as a popular and influential newspaper in Palestinian public opinion, due to the quality of its content, comprehensive coverage, credibility, and journalistic exclusivity. This is reflected in its wide circulation and distribution, which has led individuals, companies, and institutions to prefer advertising in it. This is in addition to Al-Quds' status as an active partner in Palestinian political, social, economic, sports, and media life.

Al-Quds newspaper, one of the most prominent Palestinian press institutions, has witnessed a qualitative transformation in its media structure in recent years, through its continuous adoption of technological developments, keeping pace with international standards and enhancing its ability to reach and influence. This was most notable through the digital transformation and expansion of electronic publishing. The newspaper established an integrated website (www.alquds.com), offering updated content in real-time, including breaking news, articles, analyses, and multimedia, thus strengthening the newspaper's presence in the digital space. The newspaper also allocated a specialized team to manage digital content, working to constantly update news and provide live coverage of events and activities. Al-Quds also launched a smartphone application that supports both operating systems, allowing the public to easily follow the news through instant notifications and content tailored to their interests. The newspaper has also developed its visual tools, now relying on professional photos, video clips, photo reports, and infographics, making the content more attractive and interactive. Al-Quds also maintains active accounts on various platforms, managed with high professionalism, contributing to the delivery of news to various audience segments.

Al-Quds newspaper has succeeded in establishing a model for advanced digital Palestinian journalism, adept at engaging its audience through both traditional and modern media. Thanks to this forward-looking vision, Al-Quds is no longer merely a print newspaper, but rather a multi-media platform capable of competing regionally and positioning itself as a national journalistic authority with popular and professional influence.

Since its founding by the late Mahmoud Abu Al-Zuluf in 1951, Al-Quds newspaper has been one of the most prominent landmarks of contemporary Palestinian journalism. Over the course of more than seven decades, it has played a pivotal role in shaping Palestinian national consciousness, documenting events, and keeping pace with the political and social struggle, despite the complexities of the reality and the restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation.

Al-Quds newspaper has also managed to establish itself in the heart of Jerusalem, giving it a unique geographic and political position among Palestinian newspapers. Al-Quds has also played the role of the unofficial spokesperson for the Palestinians, covering all political, social, economic, and cultural issues affecting the Palestinian people. It has maintained an editorial line and policy that reflects the aspirations of Palestinian citizens and embodies the pulse of the Palestinian street, without submitting to anyone.

On the national level, the newspaper documented Israeli violations against Palestinians from the First Intifada to the aggression on Gaza and Jerusalem, providing comprehensive field coverage. It contributed to preserving Palestinian national identity by emphasizing the symbolism of Jerusalem and its place in the collective Palestinian and Arab consciousness. During the two intifadas and many other pivotal junctures, the newspaper served as a platform for political and intellectual debate on resistance, national rights, and the choices of the Palestinian people.

Al-Quds newspaper is truly a Palestinian journalism school, having produced generations of prominent Palestinian journalists who received advanced professional training and later participated in building independent media institutions, both local and international. The newspaper has established a tradition of professional journalism, including investigations, opinion pieces, investigative journalism, and field reports.

Al-Quds newspaper also contributed to connecting the Palestinian diaspora to the homeland, through supplements and reports that highlighted daily life inside and shared concerns. The newspaper did not limit itself to political affairs, but rather established a pioneering platform for cultural and intellectual writing, by hosting elite writers in the fields of literature, history, philosophy, and cultural criticism. It also worked to highlight Palestinian creativity, encourage young writers, and document cultural life.

The role played by Al-Quds newspaper in the history of Palestinian journalism extends beyond its media function to multiple roles in documentation, enlightenment, and defense of national identity. It has been able to balance journalistic professionalism with national commitment, and between print presence and digital development, making it an institution firmly rooted in Palestinian consciousness and an integral part of the battle for existence and steadfastness in Jerusalem and throughout Palestine.

There are many painful photos and news items presented by Al-Quds newspaper, not least of which are the first photos of the Sabra and Shatila massacre in 1982, the photos of the martyrs on the front page, especially the photo of the mother of the martyr Yasser Hamduni carrying his coffin, scenes of grieving mothers, demolished homes, and mourners at the funerals of the martyrs, news of the invasion of Jenin camp in 2002, reports on prisoners and their families, news and photos of the aggression on the Gaza Strip. There are also the painful scenes of the martyred journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, and the attempted assassination of her colleague, journalist Ali Al-Samoudi, who, despite working for Al Jazeera, enjoyed a close professional relationship with the newspaper and its readers, and covered the news with them on the ground for decades.

In a complex and restrictive media environment, Al-Quds newspaper has established itself as a free platform for opinion and expression, adhering to its national, social, and professional responsibilities. From its founding to the present day, the newspaper has embodied an exemplary model in defending freedom of speech, providing a space for intellectual and political pluralism, and expressing Palestinian public opinion across its diverse spectrums.

Despite operating in an environment under Israeli occupation, Al-Quds newspaper has played a courageous role in publishing news, investigations, and articles documenting the occupation's violations and criticizing its practices against the Palestinian people. Although it still faces heavy censorship, repeated threats from the occupation, restrictions on its distribution, and the arrest of some of its journalists, Al-Quds newspaper has continued to publish the truth and expose repressive policies, reflecting a deep commitment to freedom of expression, opinion, and the press.

Al-Quds newspaper also opened its pages to all segments of Palestinian society, including political opponents, human rights activists, and independent academics, at a time when other media outlets were narrow or biased. The newspaper published critical articles addressing internal issues such as corruption, political division, weak institutions, and public freedoms, without self-censorship or conformity with official discourse, which strengthened public confidence in it as an independent media outlet.

Over the years, Al-Quds newspaper has adopted a clear stance in defense of fundamental rights and freedoms, most notably freedom of opinion and expression, the right to demonstrate, and the freedom of association.

In its coverage, it has given ample space to activists and human rights organizations to shed light on the violations suffered by citizens, whether by the occupation or the Palestinian National Authority, reflecting its commitment to professionalism and justice.

Through its daily columns, opinion pieces, and analytical articles, Al-Quds contributed to establishing a culture of dialogue, respect for other opinions, and creating space for constructive debate among various political and intellectual trends. The newspaper helped break the barrier of fear in expression, especially in the post-Oslo period, when internal censorship and restrictions on freedoms escalated. It served as a "safety valve" for journalists and intellectuals to express their opinions. Therefore, Al-Quds was not merely a news transmitter; it was an active defender of freedom of speech, striving to maintain a balance between operating in a turbulent environment and adhering to the principles of media freedom. It did not hesitate to raise major questions about the government's performance and clearly presented the demands of the people, making it a pressure tool against any practices that hinder freedoms or suppress public opinion.

In my humble opinion, Al-Quds newspaper represents a fundamental pillar in the structure of free Palestinian media. It has not merely been a transmitter of information, but rather an institution that has played a pivotal role in safeguarding freedom of opinion and expression, protecting pluralism, and promoting a culture of human rights. Its experience constitutes an important reference for understanding the relationship between the media and the authorities, and between journalism and society, in the context of occupation and internal restrictions. Al-Quds newspaper has proven that journalism can be the first line of defense for freedoms, a promoter of awareness, and a means for national and social liberation, making it more than just a newspaper, but a national and cultural institution par excellence.

Finally, my greetings to the management of Al-Quds newspaper, to the editor-in-chief and editors, and to all the correspondents who work in the field, providing the newspaper with news, reports, information, and testimonies from the scene. I salute and appreciate you. You are soldiers of words and images, and ambassadors of truth in a time of deception. Despite the pressures, obstacles, and dangers you face in carrying out your noble mission, you continue with steadfastness and courage to convey the truth and defend freedom of speech, under all circumstances.

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Al-Quds was not merely a news provider; it was an active advocate for freedom of expression, striving to maintain a balance between operating in a turbulent environment and adhering to the principles of media freedom. It did not hesitate to raise major questions about the government's performance and clearly articulated the people's demands.