Journalists Face Deadly Risks Covering Israel-Gaza Conflict

Palestinian journalists in Gaza have been risking their lives to tell the stories of their people since the start of the war on October 7, facing grave dangers from Israeli air and ground attacks, food and water shortages, and communication cuts. At least 97 journalists and media workers have been killed, with 92 of them being Palestinian, making it the deadliest period for journalists since 1992, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Why this matters: The targeting of journalists in Gaza has severe implications for the freedom of the press and the ability of the international community to access accurate information about the conflict. If journalists are not protected, it can lead to a lack of accountability for human rights violations and a perpetuation of violence.

With foreign media largely unable to enter the Gaza Strip, Palestinian reporters have become the eyes and ears of those suffering under the shadow of war. Journalists are haunted by their colleagues' deaths as they balance the emotional labor of covering the war with trying to protect their families. Displaced reporters are working in makeshift tents, risking exposure to Israeli strikes, and relying on mobile phones to show the world what is happening.

Mariam Abu Dagga, a 31-year-old photojournalist for the Independent Arabic, said, "We are covering the war on Gaza because this is our journalistic duty. It is entrusted upon us." Despite the difficult circumstances and the reality of what she calls a "genocidal war," Abu Dagga and her colleagues have challenged the Israeli occupation. "Whenever a journalist is targeted, we ask ourselves who among us will get their turn of being targeted tomorrow," she added. "We don't have cover and we don't have security."

Israel launched the military offensive in Gaza after Hamas-led attacks on October 7 that killed at least 1,200 people in Israel and abducted more than 250 others. Since then, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 34,600 Palestinians and injured over 77,800 as of May 1, according to the Ministry of Health. About seven in 10 of those killed are women and children. The war has seen a record number of violations against journalists and media since October, Reporters Without Borders states.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not answer CNN's questions regarding the allegations made by several journalists over threats to the safety of reporters working in the Gaza Strip. The IDF provided a statement saying it follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm, including journalists, but did not comment on specific allegations without geographic coordinates and times. Human rights agencies have repeatedly called for the protection of journalists in the enclave, with UN experts warning that targeted attacks and killings of journalists are war crimes.

The dangers faced by Palestinian journalists covering the Israel-Gaza conflict have reached unprecedented levels. At least 142 journalists have been killed by Israel since 2000, with hundreds more wounded and dozens of media offices destroyed, according to the International Federation of Journalists. The United Nations has described Gaza as the "deadliest place for journalists and their families in the world." Despite the risks, Palestinian reporters continue their vital work documenting the human impact of the war. Onworld, press, freedom, day, UNESCO awarded its World Press Freedom prize to all Palestinian journalists in Gaza in recognition of their courage and commitment to freedom of expression under the most challenging circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• At least 97 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7.
• 92 of the killed journalists are Palestinian, making it the deadliest period since 1992.
• Palestinian journalists are risking their lives to tell the stories of their people amidst Israeli attacks.
• The targeting of journalists has severe implications for press freedom and accountability for human rights violations.
• UNESCO awarded its World Press Freedom prize to all Palestinian journalists in Gaza for their courage and commitment.