Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict on 7 October 2023, the region has witnessed unparalleled violence, turning it into one of the most dangerous places for journalists. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), which represents over 600,000 media professionals globally, reports the deaths of at least 138 journalists in just 12 months. Of these, 128 were Palestinian, reflecting the extreme risks faced by those reporting on the war from inside Gaza.
This conflict has become the deadliest in the history of journalism. In comparison, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in 18 journalist deaths over a period of 32 months, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the danger in Gaza. Investigations by the IFJ and the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) suggest that many of these deaths were the result of targeted attacks by Israeli forces, despite international laws prohibiting such actions.
The conflict, initially confined to Gaza, has since spilled over into Lebanon, as Israel continues its military offensive. Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has driven this war effort, frequently bypassing international conventions in the name of counterterrorism.
Despite repeated calls for a ceasefire, particularly from the IFJ and other humanitarian organisations, the Israeli government has persisted with its military strategy. The IFJ has called for the United Nations to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians from Gaza and to provide essential supplies, including protective gear for journalists.
There have also been demands to allow foreign journalists into Gaza to document the unfolding conflict. However, these appeals have been largely ignored, and Israel’s military operations continue with significant financial backing from the United States and Germany.
Amid the chaos, the Palestinian people face an additional layer of dehumanisation. With foreign media largely blocked from entering Gaza, the world relies on local journalists, who risk their lives to report the horrors of the war. These journalists, using social media when communication networks allow, are the primary source of information for the outside world. Meanwhile, Israeli media coverage has largely focused on supporting the military, creating a one-sided narrative that further complicates the international understanding of the conflict, the International Federation of Journalists said,
Despite these challenges, some journalists continue their mission of providing truthful reporting, often relaying the work of their Palestinian colleagues to a wider audience. The IFJ has worked to support these journalists, raising funds to help them continue their work and opening media solidarity centres in Gaza, although these efforts fall far short of what is needed.