In a concerning development, the United Nations (UN) has issued a warning regarding the alarming number of journalists who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This statement comes just one day after two journalists tragically lost their lives in an Israeli strike on their car in the southern part of the region.

The victims have been identified as Hamza Wael al-Dahdouh, the son of al-Jazeera Gaza bureau chief Wael Al-Dahdouh, and Mustafa Thuraya. The incident took place in the city of Khan Yunis on Sunday.

The UN rights office expressed deep concern about the high death toll of media workers in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for a thorough and independent investigation into these killings. The aim is to ensure strict compliance with international law and hold accountable those responsible for these violations.

Florencia Soto Nino, deputy spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized the importance of respecting the profession of journalists. She stated that their safety and freedom to carry out their work without fear should be upheld.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) revealed that the first 10 weeks of the ongoing conflict have witnessed the highest number of journalist fatalities ever recorded. This alarming statistic reflects the dangerous conditions journalists are facing in Gaza.

Since the Israeli regime launched its military aggression against the Gaza Strip on October 7, nearly 110 journalists have lost their lives, according to the latest figures. This makes it the deadliest year on record for journalists in a single location.

The grim reality of the regime’s actions is further underscored by the fact that the ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of over 23,000 Palestinians, with the majority being women and children. Additionally, close to 59,000 people have been injured in the violence.

As the international community expresses its deep concern over the targeted killings of journalists and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it is imperative that all parties involved prioritize the safety and well-being of journalists. Only through a commitment to upholding press freedom and international law can a path towards peace and justice be forged in the region.

AMK/PressTV