Targeting Journalists in Wars: Gaza 2023, the Deadliest Year for Press Freedom
Introduction:
Driven by its human and professional responsibility, Best Media – a company specializing in digital media and journalistic production – has prepared this research paper to shed light on the grave violations committed against journalists during the Israeli war on Gaza.
We believe this study serves as a rich knowledge base for researchers, human rights defenders, and media institutions interested in deeper investigations, documentation, and calls for justice.
Journalism has never been a safe profession, but in recent times, it has become a direct target—especially in conflicts where parties involved seek to hide their crimes. The Israeli war on Gaza (since October 7, 2023) represents a turning point in the history of journalist targeting, recording the highest death toll of media professionals in a short period, surpassing all major global wars.
Historical Overview:
Over the past century, hundreds of journalists have lost their lives covering major conflicts such as the World Wars, Vietnam, Korea, and Iraq. Yet, casualties remained relatively limited compared to the increasing violence in the digital age.
- World War I: 2 journalists
- World War II: 68 journalists
- Vietnam War: 66 journalists
- Korean War: 17 journalists
- Afghanistan War (2001–2021): 127 journalists
- Ukraine War (since 2022): 17 journalists (as of mid-2023)
Gaza 2023: Casualties Beyond Comparison
According to the Government Media Office in Gaza, as of April 8, 2025, a total of 211 journalists have been killed since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza on October 7, 2023. This is the latest official statistic, underscoring the unprecedented scale of loss within the press community in such a short timeframe.
Since the onset of Israeli attacks on Gaza in October 2023 until April 2025, more than 175 journalists have been killed, according to CPJ and RSF. This number exceeds journalist casualties in any other war, even when compared collectively.
Victims included reporters, photographers, production assistants, and media office managers—mostly Palestinian local journalists—killed during airstrikes, at home, or while covering field events.
Why Are Journalists Targeted in Gaza?
- Intense bombardment and no safe zones: The ferocious Israeli campaign in Gaza made journalists perpetually vulnerable, with no protection guarantees.
- Lack of international coverage: Foreign journalists were barred from entering Gaza, leaving only local journalists on the ground.
- Suppression of local and international media: Israel targeted media offices and imposed bans on several media channels.
- Lack of accountability: No meaningful investigations or consequences have followed the killings, encouraging repeated violations.
Ethical and Legal Dimensions:
- Journalists are protected civilians under international law; deliberately targeting them constitutes a war crime.
- Silence from the international community or mere condemnation without action amounts to complicity.
A Call to Action:
- Independent investigations must be launched.
- A global protection mechanism for journalists in conflict zones should be established.
- Governments must be pressured to uphold their legal responsibilities.
Conclusion:
Targeting journalists in Gaza is not only an attack on press freedom—it is an assault on truth and the public’s right to know. At Best Media, we consider this file a humanitarian and media priority, and we will continue documenting and amplifying the voices of our silenced colleagues.
References:
- Government Media Office in Gaza.
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
- Human Rights Watch (HRW).
