Journalist Killings in Israel-Gaza War Reach Grim Milestone

On World Press Freedom Day, theInternational Federation of Journalists(IFJ) reported a somber milestone: over 100 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7. This comes as the United Nations reminds governments of their commitment to press freedom.

Why this matters: The alarming number of journalist killings in the Israel-Gaza war highlights the dire need for governments to protect press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists reporting from conflict zones. The silencing of journalists can have far-reaching consequences, including the suppression of critical information and the erosion of accountability in times of war.

Many journalists have been targeted or kidnapped by the Israeli Military, according to the Committee To Protect Journalists (CPJ). Four Israeli journalists were killed, three by Hamas during their attack on October 7. Three Lebanese journalists were killed by Israeli airstrikes or shelling. 102 Palestinian journalists were killed by airstrikes, shelling, or snipers, according to IFJ.

The war on Gaza is the deadliest ever recorded by the CPJ since the nonprofit began collecting data in 1992. In fact, the number of journalists killed in the first two months in Gaza surpassed the amount killed in the Vietnam War, which lasted two decades, according to the IFJ.

On Thursday, UNESCO awarded its World Press Freedom prize to all Palestinian journalists covering Gaza. "In these times of darkness and hopelessness, we wish to share a strong message of solidarity and recognition to those Palestinian journalists who are covering this crisis in such dramatic circumstances. As humanity, we have a huge debt to their courage and commitment to freedom of expression," said Mauricio Weibel, Chair of the International Jury of Media Professionals.

Journalists and media organizations in Chicago have called for protection for journalists working in Gaza. In December 2023, several Chicago newsrooms held a vigil to honor their fallen colleagues overseas, where the number of journalists killed at the time was 71.

CPJ has tracked numerous forms of censorship, including attacks, threats, assaults, and arrests of journalists covering the war in Gaza. Journalists have had family members killed, and many face high risks due to airstrikes, extensive power outages, disrupted communication networks, and supply shortages.

One journalist, Al-Jazeera's Wael Al-Dahdouh, has faced immense tragedy. He received the call while on air that his wife, children, and grandson were killed after they relocated to an area they were told was safe. He escaped death in December after being wounded by an Israeli attack, and then his son Hamza Dahdouh, who also worked for Al-Jazeera, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in January.

The staggering death toll of journalists in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the dangers they face while reporting from conflict zones. As the war rages on with no end in sight, the international community continues to call for the protection of journalists and the upholding of press freedom. The courage and sacrifice of those who have lost their lives will not be forgotten.

Key Takeaways

• Over 100 journalists and media workers killed in Gaza since October 7.
• Israeli Military targeted or kidnapped many journalists, according to CPJ.
• 102 Palestinian journalists killed by airstrikes, shelling, or snipers.
• Gaza war is the deadliest ever recorded by CPJ since 1992.
• UNESCO awarded World Press Freedom prize to all Palestinian journalists covering Gaza.