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Accident – Death – Obituary News : The Israel-Gaza war has taken a devastating toll on journalists, with an increasing number of media workers losing their lives while covering the conflict. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), this war has led to the deadliest month for journalists since the organization began gathering data in 1992. Of the 61 deaths of journalists and media workers recorded by the CPJ as of Friday, 54 were Palestinian journalists, four were Israeli, and three were Lebanese.
The rising death toll among journalists comes as the Israel-Hamas war enters its third month and Israel continues its bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports that the Israeli offensive has killed over 13,300 Palestinians. Israel’s offensive is in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, in which 1,200 people were killed and over 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.
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Press freedom advocates have criticized the fact that journalists, even when clearly marked as press, are among the casualties in Gaza. The CPJ states that the majority of journalist casualties in Gaza were killed while performing their jobs. The organization classifies 43 of the 50 journalists killed so far as being on a “dangerous assignment.” Investigations into the circumstances of the deaths are ongoing, and the CPJ is looking into whether some were targeted attacks.
The CPJ’s Middle East program coordinator, Sherif Mansour, states that the Israeli army’s choices to use lethal force against journalists and media facilities must be warranted and proportional. Failing to do so could constitute possible war crimes. The organization reports that 90% of those killed have been Palestinian journalists and media workers in Gaza. The four Israeli journalists were killed in the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel, and the three Lebanese journalists were killed while on duty in Lebanon on the Israeli border, in what their respective organizations believe were targeted attacks.
Gaza’s journalists have faced the difficult task of reporting on the war while also suffering personal losses and tragedies. Communication blackouts in Gaza have made their work even more challenging, as phone and internet links have gone down periodically throughout the conflict. Some journalists may receive support from international outlets, such as the provision of protective gear and equipment, but freelance journalists and those working for local outlets may not have access to such resources. Additionally, the risks are high for all journalists in Gaza, as most people cannot leave the besieged territory.
Foreign journalists have been able to enter Gaza and report on the conflict, embedded with Israeli forces. This has left local reporters feeling disheartened, as they have no information about what is happening to their homes and families in the north of Gaza. Communication blackouts have made it difficult for people in Gaza to know what is happening in other parts of the territory, adding to their sense of isolation and uncertainty.
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Some journalists in Gaza have also expressed concerns about their safety, even when wearing press vests. Plestia Alaqad, a freelance Palestinian journalist, recently posted a photo of her press jacket on Instagram, explaining that she no longer feels safe in Gaza, especially when wearing the press vest and helmet. This sentiment reflects the fear and anxiety that journalists in Gaza are experiencing as they continue to cover the conflict.
As the Israel-Gaza war continues, it is essential to recognize and protect the lives of journalists who are risking their own safety to report on the conflict. Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of violence or persecution. The international community must hold accountable those responsible for targeting journalists and ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect the lives and rights of journalists in conflict zones..
