Renowned Canadian photojournalist Valerie Zink, formerly with Reuters, has resigned after eight years in protest of the agency’s role—she says—in enabling the systematic killing of journalists in Gaza. She symbolically tore up her press badge, accusing Reuters of failing its journalistic duty amid mounting deaths of media workers.
Resignation After Eight Years
Valerie Zink announced on social media that “it’s become impossible for me to maintain a relationship with Reuters given its role in justifying and enabling the systematic assassination of 245 journalists in Gaza.” Her work, widely published—including in The New York Times and Al Jazeera—has ended with significant regret. Her decision comes amid growing international concern over the safety of journalists covering the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Press Card Torn in Protest
In a deeply symbolic gesture, she tore up her Reuters press badge, citing “deep shame and grief,” and vowed to devote future efforts to honouring the fallen journalists of Gaza. This act has sparked a wave of discussion on social media and in international media circles, highlighting the ethical dilemmas journalists face when reporting from conflict zones.
Reuters Accused of Propaganda and Betrayal
Zink denounced Reuters for amplifying Israel’s “entirely baseless” claim that Al Jazeera journalist Anas al‑Sharif, killed in Gaza earlier this month, was a Hamas operative. She called this an example of countless unverified assertions that Western media “dutifully repeated and dignified,” raising questions about the role of major news organizations in wartime narratives.
Double‑Tap Strikes and Rising Death Toll
She specifically condemned the killing of Hussam al‑Masri, a Reuters cameraman, among others in a deadly “double‑tap” strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza—a tactic where a second strike targets rescuers and journalists arriving after the first. Her statement notes this has contributed to the death of more journalists in Gaza in just two years than in major global conflicts combined.
A Call for Ethical Responsibility
Zink echoed journalist Jeremy Scahill’s critique that major Western outlets have functioned as “a conveyor belt for Israeli propaganda,” sanitizing war crimes and abandoning colleagues amid rising casualties. Her resignation serves as a public plea for accountability and the restoration of ethical journalism.
Commitment to Gaza’s Journalists
Zink concluded that she will redirect her work in tribute to the “bravest and best” journalists in Gaza, affirming she owes them at least that much—and more. Her gesture reminds the world of the vital role journalists play in bringing truth from the frontlines of conflict.