By Shafaat Yar Khan
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised serious concerns about human rights violations, particularly regarding the targeted killing of journalists in the Gaza War. The loss of journalists and media workers, along with numerous injuries, arrests, and disppearances, paints a grim picture of the impact on press freedom.
Since Hamas initiated its attack on Israel in October, followed by Israel’s declaration of war and strikes on the blockaded Gaza Strip, the casualties among journalists have reached alarming levels. As of 5 December total of 63 journalists and media workers have been confirmed dead, comprising 56 Palestinians, 4 Israelis, and 3 Lebanese. Additionally, 11 journalists were reported injured, 3 were declared missing, and 19 were reportedly arrested.
Sherif Mansour, Middle East and North Africa program coordinator for Committee to Protect Journalists said: “CPJ emphasizes that journalists are civilians doing important work during times of crisis and must not be targeted by warring parties.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told Reuters and Agence France Press news agencies that it could not guarantee the safety of their journalists operating in the Gaza Strip, after they had sought assurances that their journalists would not be targeted by Israeli strikes, Reuters reported on October 27.
The scale of journalist casualties in the Gaza War is unprecedented, drawing comparisons with historically significant conflicts. For instance, during the two-decade-long Vietnam War, 63 journalists lost their lives. Similarly, the bloodiest war of modern times, World War II (1939-45), claimed the lives of 69 journalists. The stark contrast in figures highlights the severity of the situation in the Gaza War.
The CPJ report reveals around 17,000 Palestinian fatalities in Gaza and the West Bank, with an additional 1,200 deaths in Israel. The war’s inaugural day, October 7, marked the deadliest for journalists, claiming six lives. The second-deadliest occurred on November 18, resulting in five journalist casualties. The deadliest day of the war for journalist deaths was its first day, October 7, with six journalists killed; the second-deadliest day occurred on November 18, with five killed. These grim statistics underscore the profound human toll and heightened dangers faced by journalists amid the conflict.
CPJ has launched investigations into all reports of journalists and media workers killed, injured, or missing during the Gaza War. This conflict has resulted in the deadliest month for journalists since CPJ began collecting data in 1992. The organization is also looking into unconfirmed reports of additional journalists facing harm, detention, or threats, as well as instances of damage to media offices and journalists’ homes.
The targeted killing of journalists raises serious human rights concerns. Journalists play a crucial role in providing objective and independent coverage, contributing to the public’s right to information. Deliberate attacks on media personnel not only violate the principles of press freedom but also hinder the international community’s ability to access accurate information about the conflict.
As reports of journalist casualties continue to emerge, there is a growing call for accountability. The international community, human rights organizations, and press freedom advocates are urging a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, injuries, arrests, and disappearances of journalists during the Gaza War.
However, amid these alarming statistics, there has been widespread criticism directed at Israel for what many see as flagrant violations of international laws leading to the casualties of journalists. The intentional targeting of media personnel raises serious concerns about the adherence to humanitarian principles during conflict. Such actions not only jeopardize the lives of those reporting on the ground but also violate the fundamental right to freedom of the press. The international community must scrutinize these allegations closely, demanding accountability for any breaches of international laws to ensure the protection of journalists in conflict zones.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
