As of November 20, 2023, the deadliest period for journalist killings has been recorded, with 57 journalists and media workers reported killed since October 7. The majority of casualties, 37 in total, occurred in Gaza due to indiscriminate attacks.
The overall toll in the conflict has surpassed 12,000 lives in just five weeks.
International journalists are prohibited from entering the besieged Strip, while local reporters have been without a secure haven or means of departure since the conflict commenced on October 7.
In #Israel, at least 15 journalists covering the war with Hamas have suffered violence at the hands of the Israeli security forces and citizens. RSF condemns these restrictions on the right to information and calls for the protection of reporters.https://t.co/1DO4GbGseH
— RSF (@RSF_inter) November 16, 2023
The recent victims include Hassouna Sleem and Sary Mansour, killed during an Israeli assault on the Bureij refugee camp, and Bilal Jadallah, who died in an Israeli strike while trying to evacuate Gaza City.
THE GAZETTE: Palestinians mourn local journalists Hassouna Sleem and Sary Mansour, who were killed in an Israeli strike on a house, at a hospital in the central Gaza Strip https://t.co/HtnD0xxhE6 @csgazette #photojournalism #photography #journalism
— Photojournalism News (@PJournalismNews) November 19, 2023
Motaz Azaiza, honored as Man of the Year by GQ Middle East for his influential reporting on war crimes, revealed receiving a threatening call from an unidentified Israeli caller.
Thank you ???? https://t.co/O6A35JYEIP
— MoTaz (@azaizamotaz9) November 23, 2023
The caller, using a NoCallerID, pressured Azaiza to stop covering the victims of the Israeli bombardment in Gaza. The intimidation included urging Azaiza to leave and instruct Palestinians to flee to Egypt, along with a warning to condemn Hamas.
Another threat by the occupation to not go to Gaza city and another disgusting comment. pic.twitter.com/0sU8CTgWM5
— MoTaz (@azaizamotaz9) November 25, 2023
The Israeli army's actions, especially in Gaza, are violating international humanitarian law, with civilian casualties, including journalists, highlighting the disregard for civilian lives.
Israel's failure to ensure the safety of journalists and its historical lack of accountability for journalist deaths raise concerns about press freedom.
The Committee to Protect Journalists report as of November 22 details 57 dead, 11 injured, three missing, and 18 arrested journalists, along with various assaults and threats.
CPJ confirmed the deaths of 4 more Palestinian journalists today. A total of 57 journalists & media workers have been killed in 7 weeks. The 1st month of the Israel-Gaza war was the deadliest for journalists since CPJ began documenting fatalities in 1992. https://t.co/7NXKpLSsQx
— Committee to Protect Journalists (@pressfreedom) November 25, 2023
The situation underscores the urgent need to address crimes against journalists and protect press freedom.
Gaza's journalists, risking their lives, play a crucial role in exposing the atrocities and calling for accountability. The international community must hold Israel accountable for its actions and address the suffering of the Palestinian people.