The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has revealed that 97 journalists and media workers have been confirmed as victims since the start of the genocide in Gaza. Additionally, 25 journalists have been detained, and four are currently missing.
In Gaza, since the Israel launched genocide on October 7, 2023, 35,000 Palestinians have lost lives and majority of the victims are women and children.
Carlos Martínez de la Serna, CPJ’s Program Director, underscored the sacrifices made by journalists in their quest for truth during times of conflict. He said, “Since the start of the Israel-Gaza war, journalists have been paying the ultimate price—their lives—in defense of our right to the truth.”
Despite international efforts, ensuring journalists’ safety and sustaining news coverage in the conflict zone has proven to be an ongoing challenge. While CPJ’s count stands at 97 casualties, Gaza’s government media office reported a toll exceeding 140, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
The International Federation of Journalists estimates the death toll among journalists at 102.
After two international media agencies requested assurances that their personnel would not be targeted by Israeli strikes, the Israel Defense Forces initially informed Reuters and Agence France-Presse that they could not guarantee the safety of their journalists operating in Gaza.
Journalists in Gaza face risks as they report on the conflict, including the threat of devastating airstrikes, disrupted communications, supply shortages, and prolonged power outages.
