Over the past year, the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has resulted in the highest number of journalist deaths in conflict zones since media organizations began tracking such incidents. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, a total of 128 journalists have lost their lives since the start of the war. The majority of these casualties were Palestinian media workers in Gaza who were killed as a result of Israeli airstrikes. Shockingly, some journalists were targeted even while wearing protective gear that clearly identified them as members of the press.
While the Israeli military denies intentionally targeting journalists, multiple news organizations and press freedom groups have accused them of doing so. The military argues that journalists are at risk in active military zones and have accused Hamas of using journalists and civilians as shields by placing military operations in close proximity to them. However, media organizations vehemently deny these allegations.
Due to the escalating violence and threats to media workers, many organizations have evacuated their staff and families from Gaza. Reporting from Gaza has always been challenging due to restrictions on movement and pressure from Hamas against any form of dissent.
Not only have Palestinian journalists faced grave dangers, but Israeli journalists have also been subjected to physical attacks. The Union of Journalists in Israel reported at least 40 such attacks, including the tragic deaths of four journalists in a single incident on October 7. The safety and security of journalists in the region remain a major concern as the conflict continues to escalate.
