ISTANBUL
In front of Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza, the sun rose on Thursday to reveal a charred van marked with the word “PRESS” in large red letters.
In most conflicts, such a clear indication of non-combatant status — protected under the Geneva Conventions — would have shielded the vehicle’s occupants. Yet, it did little to deter Israeli forces, whose attack claimed the lives of five journalists from the Palestinian broadcaster Al-Quds Today.
Covering what has easily been one of the most dangerous warzones for press workers in decades, journalists in Gaza are not alone in facing life-threatening conditions. The past year has been one of the deadliest for journalists worldwide, with conflict zones seeing the most alarming surge in fatalities.
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the number of journalists killed in conflict zones has risen by 57.4% in 2024, marking a five-year high.
High-risk areas such as Iraq, Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Gaza contributed significantly to this tragic rise.
In its annual report, the Paris-based organization said the number of journalists imprisoned worldwide also increased, with 550 journalists in custody as of mid-December.
China, Myanmar, Israel and Belarus held the highest number of detained journalists.
RSF, in a statement to Anadolu, called the past year a “reminder to the world” of the vital role of news from conflict zones, particularly in light of Israel’s attempt to create a “journalist-free” zone in Gaza.
“This is what only a power that does not tolerate journalism or sees it as a threat can do,” RSF said, noting that over 145 journalists have been killed by the Israeli army since October 2023.
The report shows that a third of the journalists killed in 2024 were slain by the Israeli armed forces, with Gaza identified as the most dangerous region for journalists.
Preliminary investigations by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reveal that at least 141 journalists and media workers have been killed in the occupied Palestinian Territories, Israel, and Lebanon since the beginning of the war in the enclave.
The US-based watchdog has confirmed that four journalists were directly targeted and killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, in what it labels as the "murders" of Hamza Al Dahdouh, Mustafa Thuraya, Ismail Al Ghoul, and Rami Al Refee.
“Those responsible for these casualties face dual trials: one under international law and another before history’s unforgiving gaze,” said CPJ Program Director Carlos Martinez de la Serna in New York.
Israel rejects claims that it intentionally targets journalists but acknowledges that some have been killed in airstrikes on military sites.
“We don’t accept these figures. We don’t believe they are correct,” Israeli government spokesman David Mercer recently said in a news conference.
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) December 27, 2024
Journalist death toll in Gaza 'off the scale, unacceptable’
In an interview with Anadolu, Tim Dawson, deputy general secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), called the situation in Gaza “almost beyond description.”
In its annual report, the IFJ states that 104 journalists have been killed globally, more than half of whom were in Gaza.
Since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, at least 147 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed, making Palestine one of the deadliest places for journalists after Iraq, the Philippines, and Mexico, the report says.
Figures may differ from one organization to another due to the difference in methods used to calculate the tolls.
RSF says their figures are based on a field verification process, ensuring that incidents like imprisonment or death are directly linked to a journalist’s work.
CPJ, meanwhile, defines journalists as those who cover news or comment on public affairs and lists only media workers whose deaths are “confirmed” as work-related.
The IFJ, on the other hand, says their methodology focuses on counting active journalists, excluding individuals in broader media-related roles.
“The death toll of journalists in Gaza is off the scale, and totally unacceptable. We all need to continue raising our voices about it,” the IFJ’s Dawson told Anadolu.
The Brussels-based organization has three media solidarity centers in the enclave, where they provide internet and power, as well as spaces where journalists can work and hold meetings.
Dawson noted the IFJ’s initiative to launch the Palestine Media Fund, which has already provided grants to local outlets in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
He emphasized the importance of restoring local media in the Palestinian territories. “We want to see the rebuilding of a media culture that can support civil society.”
The deputy general secretary of IFJ stressed the need for accountability where there is evidence that journalists have been “intentionally targeted by the Israeli army.”
He added that such instances should be investigated by the International Criminal Court, where Israel is also facing a genocide case for its actions in Gaza.
Both IFJ and RSF have filed complaints with the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli war crimes committed against journalists.
‘Worst year’ for journalism
The Gaza Government Media Office reported that 201 journalists were killed and 399 journalists and media personnel injured by the Israeli army since Oct. 7, 2023.
“This has been the worst year for Palestinian journalism — and for journalism globally,” Ismail Al-Thawabta, director general of the media office, told Anadolu.
He highlighted the resilience of Palestinian journalists amid ongoing dangers, including direct targeting, surveillance, and security threats.
Al-Thawabta criticized the international community, the UN Security Council, and the “so-called civilized world” for failing to hold Israel accountable.
“Unfortunately, there is a clear double standard when it comes to supporting Palestinian journalists, especially those in Gaza.”
While some Western press organizations have shown “hesitant solidarity,” it has not addressed the severe violations Palestinian journalists face, he argued.
The director of Gaza’s Government Media Office called on international press groups to take stronger action, urging them to “leverage their platforms to pressure governments and international institutions to hold Israel accountable.”
However, he hopes that growing global awareness, driven by digital media, could bring change, but stressed, “hope alone is insufficient; we need collective efforts to stop the targeting of journalism and journalists in Palestine.”
