After the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7 in Israel, the South China Morning Post embarked on a comprehensive project to build a visual summary of the information surrounding the Gaza-Israel conflict. Recognising the abundance of new information emerging, our initial plan was to diligently collect and organise the data before crafting an effective explainer.

With a particular focus on Gaza, our decision was influenced by the fact that the media coverage during those days primarily centred around the aftermath of the attack.

As the Israeli response was just beginning to unfold, we aimed to provide our readers with a holistic context that would deepen their understanding of the Palestinian territory under siege and the potential consequences of an armed response from Israel on the civilian population.

During the initial stages, our content editor suggested narrowing the scope of our explainer to the first stage of the conflict. This strategic decision allowed us to manage the frequent updates better and ensure the accuracy of the information we presented to our audience. To establish a deadline for publication, we set a specific date to conclude our research while acknowledging the conflict’s ever-evolving nature.

The human side of the conflict

One of our primary objectives was to offer a human approach to the topic. We accomplished this by incorporating an illustration depicting the daily life in Gaza at the beginning of our piece. Additionally, we included data that was not directly related to the conflict itself, such as information about energy sources, Internet connections, education, and more.

By showcasing scenes from their ordinary lives, we sought to establish a personal connection with our audience, prompting them to explore the rest of the infographics included.

To ensure the credibility and reliability of our data, we extensively investigated all available sources and consulted with experts to filter out inaccurate or false information.

Given the profusion of information, especially at the onset of the conflict, this vetting process was crucial in providing our audience with accurate and trustworthy insights. 

For the base map information, we utilised the same source as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), updated in September 2023, ensuring the most up-to-date and reliable cartographic data.

Creating an interactive map was instrumental in enhancing the user experience and facilitating a deeper understanding of the conflict. Commencing with a general view of the region, we gradually zoomed in on the Gaza Strip, allowing users to visualise borders, geolocation, and other detailed information.

In addition, we employed a set of cards to explain various aspects of the Palestinian territory. To provide a relatable perspective, we included a reference to our own city, Hong Kong, comparing population density and other well-known characteristics.

Furthermore, recognising the significance of Internet connectivity in today’s world, we presented information about Gaza’s Internet connections. We emphasised that being connected enables access to essential services, information, and coordination for any group of people, underscoring its relevance for both the media and humanitarian organisations operating within conflict zones.

Empowering readers with information

The completion of the project was an arduous yet rewarding journey. Spanning a total of 13 days, it involved multiple rounds of meticulous checking, double-checking, triple-checking, and continuous updates. We left no stone unturned in our quest for accuracy and comprehensiveness before deeming the project ready for launch.

Throughout the process, we utilised various tools and software, including Figma for prototyping and sharing our initial processes, Illustrator and Photoshop for design and infographics, QGIS for geospatial data analysis, Procreate for illustrations, HTML and JavaScript for coding, and After Effects for video editing.

This project exemplifies one of the regular duties undertaken by an infographic team within a newsroom. We take pride in assuming the responsibility of curating all assets and content, with the overarching aim of delivering a precise and neutral set of graphic maps and visualisations.

Our ultimate goal is to empower our readers with a deeper understanding of complex conflicts such as this, always basing our work on the most reliable sources and thorough research.

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