Take a look inside the Nidal Al-Alamodi Division ‘terrorist group' weekly training

Geovien So, 31, from Hong Kong contacted a fixer based in Gaza and explained that he would like to meet the fighters and, being of Asian heritage, the photographer was able to gain the rare access.

The London based freelancer said: “The Nidal Al-Alamodi Division is a militant resistance group that refuses to recognise the existence of the state of Israel.

“They are being labeled as a terrorist group by many Western governments including the US and the EU.

“Being a Chinese photojournalist, it was easier for me to gain trust from them and for them to allow me access to document one of their training sessions.

“This is normally off limits to Western journalists as they believe the Western media has bias and labels them as terrorists, instead of resistance fighters for the Palestinian freedom from the Israeli occupation in Palestine.”

After four months of back and forth communication with a fixer to prove that Geovien was not a spy, the 31-year-old flew out to Gaza with one other journalist to document the Nidal Al-Alamodi Division.

He said: “The Gaza Strip has been under siege by Israel since 2006, so it was extremely difficult to get in.

“Foreign journalists have to apply for permission from the Israeli' government press office. They do a tough security check before issuing a temporary press pass which only lasts for one month. This is the only legal way to travel in and out of the Gaza Strip.

“I was traveling with another journalist from Hong Kong, we looked after each other, discussed risk management and made backup plans together.”

Naturally, one of Geovien’s biggest worries during his day spent with the fighter group was that he would be kidnapped as, upon arrival, he was faced with 22 men wearing balaclavas and armed with assault rifles and machine guns. But So was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming they were.

He said: “My biggest worry was being kidnapped.

“It is well known that some Islamic militant groups such as ISIS do kidnap foreign journalists for their propaganda on the media, as well as asking for ransom from foreign governments as a way to fund their operation.

“In fact, they were very welcoming and treated me very well and mentioned that they were very happy to see a foreign journalist visit them to hear their side of the story about the Israel Palestine conflict.”

Nidal Al-Alamodi Division have been classified as a terrorist organisation by the US and EU government and Geovien learnt that they were responsible for carrying out a number of terrorist attacks inside Israel.

He said: “They did carry out a number of terrorist attacks inside Israel including car bombing and suicide attacks. They were also responsible for firing local made rockets to southern Israel and kidnapping Israeli soldiers along the border area with the Gaza Strip.”

“They were very open to answer all sort of questions including ethical issues such as their view about attacking Israeli civilians.”

To view more of Geovien’s incredible photography, visit his website: https://www.geoviensophotography.com/