Unrelenting Danger: Journalism in Gaza Strip
Journalists' deaths in Gaza referred to as 'deliberate' by United Nations on World Press Freedom Day
The treacherous terrain of Gaza Strip has undeniably proven itself to be a lethal hotspot for journalists, with the number of casualties climbing steadily. Ajith Sunghay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, shed light on this chilling reality in an interview with Anadolu on World Press Freedom Day, 3rd May.
Sunghay highlighted the indispensable role journalists play in reporting events across Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Palestinian territories. He stated, "Since October 2023, we've witnessed over 210 Palestinian journalists meet their untimely ends, as per the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. In many instances, we believe these deaths were no accident—they were likely premeditated."
He further emphasized that the cases suggesting deliberate targeting could possibly constitute war crimes, needing thorough, comprehensive investigations. Sunghay lamented that accountability for these heinous acts has been sorely missing.
Sunghay pointed out the role of third-party nations in relation to the situation in Gaza, stating they hold obligations under the Geneva Convention to bring about a ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians, including journalists.
The Mediascape of Gaza: Tallying the Toll
The death toll among Palestinian journalists in Gaza post-October 2023 is staggering, with several sources citing numbers ranging from 116 to over 210 deaths, depending on the reporting body and terminologies used. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate reported in May 2025 that at least 210 journalists have been killed since the conflict's onset, accompanied by the death of 665 family members, and nearly 3,000 documented crimes and violations against the press corps in Gaza[2]. UNESCO confirmed at least 47 journalists while other international organizations, such as the International Federation of Journalists and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have reported figures between 116 and 166[1][4][5].
Causes and Controversy
The Israeli military's relentless operations in Gaza have been identified as the leading cause of these deaths, with journalists falling victim to airstrikes, bombardments, and attacks[2][4][5]. Multiple international organizations and media outlets have raised concerns about intentional targeting, despite protections under international law[5]. The high number of journalist deaths has sparked allegations of a "media genocide" and a systematic attempt to mute Palestinian media voices[2][5].
Under International Law: Protections and Protection Lapses
International law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, entitles journalists to special protections as civilians, barring deliberate attacks against them. However, the alarming frequency of journalist deaths in Gaza has led to widespread condemnation and accusations of war crimes[3][5]. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has declared that the killing and targeting of journalists in the Occupied Palestinian Territory makes it impossible to uphold a free press in the region[3].
The Pursuit of Justice: Accountability and International Response
Sadly, in spite of international outcry, there have been few tangible steps towards accountability. The Committee to Protect Journalists has stated that Israel is amongst the world's worst offenders when it comes to allowing the perpetrators of journalist killings to evade justice[5]. International organizations such as UNESCO and the United Nations have condemned the killings and called for investigations, but there has been a notable lack of independent judicial proceedings or prosecutions[1][3][5].
In Conclusion
The unchecked slaughter of journalists in Gaza underscores a profound humanitarian crisis as well as a daunting challenge to press freedom and the rule of law in conflict zones. The ongoing bloodshed compels us to seek justice for those wronged, work towards upholding international protections for journalists, and strive for a free press in every corner of the world.
- The Un High Commissioner for Human Rights' representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, Ajith Sunghay, stated that since October 2023, over 210 Palestinian journalists have been killed, possible war crimes needing thorough investigations.
- The Israeli military's operations in Gaza have been identified as the leading cause of journalist deaths, with the high number of casualties sparking allegations of a media genocide.
- International law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, entitles journalists to special protections as civilians, but the alarming frequency of journalist deaths in Gaza has led to widespread condemnation and accusations of war crimes.
- There have been few tangible steps towards accountability for the killings of journalists in Gaza, with Israel being accused of allowing perpetrators to evade justice by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
- The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate reported at least 210 journalists have been killed since the conflict's onset, accompanied by the death of 665 family members, and nearly 3,000 documented crimes and violations against the press corps in Gaza.
- The General News and Crime & Justice sections of various media outlets have covered the killing of journalists in Gaza, highlighting the chilling reality of the dangers faced by journalists in the Gaza Strip.
- The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has declared that the killing and targeting of journalists in the Occupied Palestinian Territory makes it impossible to uphold a free press in the region.
- Journalists play an indispensable role in reporting events across Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Palestinian territories, and third-party nations are obligated under the Geneva Convention to bring about a ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians, including journalists.
- The UN, UNESCO, and other international organizations have condemned the killings of journalists in Gaza, calling for investigations and urging accountability to ensure war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news reporting is protected in the region.
