The war between Israel and Gaza continues, marking one year since it began on October 7, 2023. Despite calls for peace and the protection of human rights from international organizations, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the danger for journalists in the region remains alarmingly high.
Since the start of the conflict, reporters have faced constant threats and physical assaults while carrying out their work. According to the latest CPJ data, the statistics are grim:
- Deaths: 128 journalists and media workers have been confirmed dead, including 123 Palestinians, two Israelis, and three Lebanese.
- Injuries: At least 40 journalists have been injured during the conflict.
- Missing: Two journalists are currently missing, raising concerns among their colleagues and families.
- Detentions: 69 cases of journalists being detained have been documented, many under arbitrary circumstances.
- Assaults and threats: In addition to the deaths and injuries, reporters have been subjected to multiple assaults, threats, cyberattacks, and censorship. There have also been cases of journalists’ family members being killed as a form of retaliation.
These figures are deeply troubling, as they show that journalists, particularly Palestinians, are being disproportionately targeted in this conflict. The unequal opportunities to report and the lack of adequate protection for reporters reflect a hostile environment that limits press freedom and the right to information. In a context where truth is crucial, ensuring the safety of those who seek it becomes a critical issue that cannot be ignored.
At Free Press Alliance, we call for peace and the protection of journalists. We are deeply concerned not only for the safety of reporters but also for the people of Gaza and Israel.