Journalists Targeted and Killed in Deadliest Gaza War

As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, the ongoing Israel-Gaza war has become thedeadliest periodfor journalists since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) began gathering data in 1992. At least 97 journalists and media workers have been killed among the more than 35,000 people who have lost their lives since the war began on October 7, 2022, according to CPJ's preliminary investigations.

Why this matters: The killing of journalists in Gaza has significant implications for the freedom of the press and the ability to report on conflicts accurately. It also highlights the need for greater protection of civilians, including journalists, in war zones.

Palestinian journalists have become the primary source of information for the world, risking their lives to cover the war. Many work in makeshift tents and rely on mobile phones to report. "We are covering the war on Gaza because this is our journalistic duty. It is entrusted upon us," said Mariam Abu Dagga, a 31-year-old photojournalist for the Independent Arabic. "We challenged the Israeli occupation. We challenged the difficult circumstances and the reality of this war, a genocidal war."

The war has seen a record number ofviolations against journalistsand media, with human rights agencies repeatedly calling for their protection. The UN has warned that targeted attacks and killings of journalists are war crimes. Reporters Without Borders has ranked Palestine as the 157th out of 180 countries and territories in its annual Press Freedom Index, making it the deadliest region for journalists.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a military offensive in Gaza on October 7 in response to Hamas attacks, resulting in the deaths of over 34,600 Palestinians and injuries to more than 77,800 people, according to the Ministry of Health. At least 1,200 people were killed in Israel, and more than 250 others were abducted by Hamas, leading to the Israeli assault.

The IDF has stated it cannot guarantee the safety of journalists operating in Gaza. Journalists there face devastating Israeli airstrikes, disrupted communications, supply shortages, and extensive power outages. The IDF denies targeting journalists, stating it follows international law and takes precautions to mitigate civilian harm, including journalists. However, the lack of international media access to Gaza has made it difficult to independently confirm the figures and reports of violence.

Among the journalists killed are Mohamed El Reefi, a Palestinian freelance photographer who died from Israeli army gunfire injuries; Abdul Rahman Saima, a photojournalist killed in an Israeli airstrike; and Muhammad Salama, a TV host killed with his family in an airstrike. CPJ is investigating numerous other unconfirmed reports of journalists being killed, missing, detained, hurt or threatened. "Journalists are civilians who are protected by international humanitarian law in times of conflict. Those responsible for their deaths face dual trials, one under international law and another before history's unforgiving gaze," said CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna.

The critical role of Palestinian journalists in providing a window into the horrors of Israel's offensive in Gaza, despite the risks to their lives, cannot be overstated. As Dr. Mahmoud Abu Nujaila scrawled on a whiteboard in Al Awda Hospital before his death,"Whoever stays until the end will tell the story. We did what we could. Remember us. "The importance of protecting journalists, who are essential in telling the stories of those affected by conflict, is more evident than ever on this World Press Freedom Day.

Key Takeaways

• At least 97 journalists and media workers have been killed in the Israel-Gaza war since October 2022.
• Palestinian journalists are the primary source of information, risking their lives to cover the war.
• The war has seen a record number of violations against journalists and media, with targeted attacks considered war crimes.
• Palestine is ranked 157th out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index, making it the deadliest region for journalists.
• The protection of journalists is crucial in telling the stories of those affected by conflict, highlighting the importance of press freedom.