At 3am on June 13, 2025, while the entire city of Tel Aviv was still sleeping in silence, the cold vibration of the phone broke the darkness – an emergency alarm. A large-scale Israeli military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities had officially begun.
At the same time, millions of Israelis received the warning. As for VNA correspondents in the heart of the Middle East, it was a moment that did not allow for any hesitation.
There was no time to panic. In less than 5 minutes, the first news about the war was sent out. In the middle of the night, in a quiet Tel Aviv, VNA reporters rushed out into the street, carrying cameras, filming in the field.
The siren cut across the sky like a cold slash – but for the News Agency journalists, it was the signal for an information campaign: the fastest, most accurate and most honest.
Amidst the shrill sound of sirens, the constant stream of news updates, the live footage from the field, the vivid reports sent back from thousands of kilometers away from home, there is a tireless effort to convey and honestly reflect what is really happening – so that people in Vietnam can better understand a world that is shaking, to feel, to understand and to cherish more the word peace .
The night of June 13 ended with dozens of news bulletins, quick reports and video clips from the scene. When the first light of the new day appeared, VNA reporters were almost exhausted.
But no one complained. Because for journalists in war zones, working is an honor. And telling the truth – that is the mission.
Recalling nearly two years ago, on a seemingly normal morning – October 7, 2023 – the air defense siren suddenly blared, tearing apart the peaceful atmosphere. At that time, VNA reporters were preparing to send the morning news to Hanoi when a series of surprise attacks by Hamas broke out.
In that moment, everything changed – not just the war situation, but also the way journalists survived amid bombs and bullets.
From a resident reporter whose main task was to report on current events, VNA journalists became involuntary "war correspondents".
Journalist Vu Hoi, former head of the VNA's Tel Aviv bureau, shared: "I have to update breaking news and plan for evacuation, the most important of which is to preserve the agency's assets and documents, ensure the safety of reporters and their families, such as stocking up on drinking water, food, and communication equipment if I have to leave at night."
The suitcase in the corner of the room – once reserved for short business trips – has now become an indispensable item. Inside it are a few sets of clothes, personal documents, lightweight work equipment and… the faint hope that it will never be needed.
There were nights when the entire VNA team barely slept: some were on duty to sound the alarm, others continued to report news to send to the headquarters in time. Every step, every press of the shutter had to be carefully calculated. A wrong headline, a sensitive frame – could result in the reporter being expelled, or in danger of death.
Reporting in a war zone is not just a race against bombs and bullets, but also a war against security barriers, permits, surveillance and suspicion. Access to areas such as the Gaza border, refugee camps or blockaded areas often requires days of approval. Every story must be weighed against professionalism, journalistic ethics and courage.
As of mid-May 2025, more than 160 journalists have been killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The number announced by Hamas is even higher – at least 215, the majority of them Palestinian journalists.
Some of them were killed while doing their jobs, such as Al Jazeera reporter Ismail al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami al-Rifi. Their deaths are a painful reminder that the truth sometimes costs lives.
For generations of VNA journalists, whether working domestically or abroad, the mission of transmitting timely, honest and accurate information has always been a top priority.
Throughout 80 years of formation and development, VNA reporters, editors and technicians have always been present on the front lines of information battles.
In Vietnam, news agencies have always accompanied the country in every historical turning point, taking the lead on the information front during wartime, and transforming strongly in the flow of innovation in the reconstruction, construction and integration process.
Across five continents, VNA reporters have been at the forefront of conflict hotspots in the Middle East and North Africa, updating developments on horrific terrorist attacks in Europe, working with Vietnamese rescue forces to support the Turkish people in overcoming the earthquake disaster, and facing dangers when reporting from COVID-19-hit areas...
Not only providing diverse and objective information, VNA reporters are also a bridge between Vietnam and the world, contributing to spreading the message of peace.
Courage, dedication, honesty and devotion to the profession are the traditions that generations of VNA journalists are preserving and extending.
The presence of VNA reporters at hot spots and areas where fighting occurred between Israel and Iran today is a continuation of the spirit of their predecessors - devoted to the information mission.
In every news, photo, and video clip today, the courageous spirit of generations of news reporters still echoes. And that is what has created a unique, proud identity for VNA journalists./.
(Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/100-nam-bao-chi-cach-mang-viet-nam-tiep-noi-nhung-dong-tin-thong-tan-post1045025.vnp
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