Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : The Israel-Gaza war has taken a devastating toll on journalists, with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stating that it has led to the deadliest month for journalists since it started gathering data in 1992. Of the 61 deaths of journalists and media workers recorded by the CPJ, 54 were Palestinian journalists, four were Israeli, and three were Lebanese. This high death toll highlights the dangers faced by journalists reporting in conflict zones.
Ayat Khaddoura, a Palestinian journalist and podcaster, had been sharing videos on social media about living under Israeli bombardment before she was killed in an Israeli airstrike on her home. In one of her last videos, she expressed her frustration and said, “We used to have big dreams, but now our dream is only to be killed in one piece so people know who we are.”
The majority of the journalists killed in Gaza were killed while performing their jobs, according to the CPJ. The organization is investigating whether some of these deaths were targeted attacks, which could potentially constitute war crimes. The toll on Palestinian journalists is especially high, with 90% of those killed being Palestinian journalists and media workers in Gaza.
Gaza’s journalists have been tasked with reporting on the conflict while also dealing with personal losses and tragedies. Communication blackouts in Gaza have made their job even more difficult, as phone and internet links have gone down periodically throughout the war. Some Gaza journalists receive support from international outlets, such as protective gear and equipment, but others do not.
Foreign journalists have been able to embed with the Israeli military and report on the conflict, while local reporters in Gaza have had limited information about what is happening to their homes and families. This has caused frustration among Palestinian journalists who feel that their voices and experiences are not being adequately represented.
The toll on journalists in Gaza is a stark reminder of the risks they face while reporting in conflict zones. Press freedom advocates continue to call for the protection of journalists and for investigations into any targeted attacks. As the Israel-Hamas war enters its third month, it is crucial to remember the journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to support those who continue to report on the conflict.