Israel’s Deadly Toll on Palestinian Journalists in Gaza: Nearly 200 Killed by Conflict – Mother Jones

Israel Accused of “Murdering the Messengers” as Journalist Deaths Mount in Gaza

Gaza – Outrage is escalating following the killing of Palestinian journalists Hamza Wael Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuraya in a targeted Israeli strike in Gaza on Sunday, bringing the total number of journalists killed in the conflict to over 100, according to multiple reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the killings as “murder,” accusing Israel of a deliberate campaign to silence reporting from the region.

The strike,which also claimed the life of journalist Mahmoud Koumia,occurred while the journalists were covering the aftermath of an Israeli attack in Rafah.Al Jazeera, where Dahdouh worked, reports the total number of journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023 exceeds 200.

This latest incident fuels growing concerns about the safety of journalists operating in Gaza, and accusations of a systematic effort to suppress information. A recent report by Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs reveals the scale of the crisis: Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more journalists than were killed in the U.S. Civil War, both World Wars, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Yugoslav wars, and the post-9/11 war in Afghanistan combined.

“Israel is murdering the messengers,” stated CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah. “The world needs to see these deadly attacks on journalists inside Gaza, and also its censorship of journalists in Israel and the West Bank, for what they are: a deliberate and systematic attempt to cover up Israel’s actions.”

reporters Without Borders has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, citing a 2015 resolution urging member states to protect journalists in conflict zones. The organization’s director general, Thibaut Bruttin, denounced the killings as a “massacre” and condemned Israel’s “media blackout strategy” aimed at concealing its actions in Gaza.The lack of immediate condemnation from American officials has drawn criticism. Requests for comment from the State Department and the White house remain unanswered as of Monday afternoon.

Adding a poignant layer to the tragedy, journalist Anas Al-Sharif, anticipating the possibility of his death, prepared a statement in April which he requested be published on his X account if he were killed. In the statement, Al-Sharif affirmed his commitment to truthful reporting, urged support for his family – including his wife and two children – and declared he would “die steadfast upon my principles.”

The escalating violence against journalists underscores the increasingly dangerous habitat for media coverage in Gaza, raising serious questions about freedom of the press and the transparency of the ongoing conflict.

What measures can be taken to ensure accountability for the deaths of Palestinian journalists in gaza, and what role should international organizations play in demanding these measures?

Israel’s Deadly Toll on Palestinian Journalists in Gaza: Nearly 200 Killed by Conflict

The escalating conflict in Gaza has resulted in a devastating loss of life, and among the most alarming statistics is the number of Palestinian journalists killed. As of August 12, 2025, reports indicate nearly 200 journalists have lost their lives covering the ongoing hostilities. This represents an unprecedented level of risk and a severe blow to press freedom in the region. This article examines the scope of the crisis, the challenges faced by journalists, and the implications for reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Scale of the Crisis: A Rising Death Toll

The sheer number of journalists killed is staggering. Organizations tracking media casualties,including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF),consistently update their figures,revealing a grim trend.

Confirmed Fatalities: Nearly 200 Palestinian journalists have been confirmed killed as the start of the current conflict.

Injuries: Hundreds more have been injured, many severely, hindering their ability to continue reporting.

Targeted Attacks vs. Collateral Damage: Determining whether these deaths are the result of targeted attacks or collateral damage remains a contentious issue, with investigations ongoing.

Gaza-Specific Risks: The densely populated nature of Gaza, coupled with the intensity of the fighting, considerably increases the risks for all civilians, including journalists.

Challenges Faced by Journalists in Gaza

Reporting from a war zone is inherently dangerous, but Palestinian journalists in Gaza face unique and amplified challenges:

Limited Protective Equipment: Many journalists lack adequate protective gear, such as flak jackets and helmets, increasing their vulnerability.

Restricted Movement: Movement within Gaza is severely restricted due to ongoing conflict and checkpoints, hindering access to critical areas.

Communication Blackouts: Frequent disruptions to communication networks, including internet and phone lines, make it difficult to transmit facts and maintain contact with the outside world.

Psychological Trauma: Witnessing and reporting on constant violence and suffering takes a significant toll on journalists’ mental health.

Family Safety: Journalists frequently enough worry about the safety of their families, who are also exposed to the dangers of the conflict.

The Impact on Press Freedom and access to Information

The loss of so many journalists has a profound impact on press freedom and the public’s access to accurate information:

Silencing of Voices: The deaths and injuries of journalists silence crucial voices on the ground, limiting the world’s understanding of the realities in Gaza.

Self-Censorship: The dangerous surroundings can lead to self-censorship, as journalists may fear reprisal for reporting on sensitive topics.

Information Vacuum: The lack of independent reporting creates an information vacuum, which can be filled with misinformation and propaganda.

Accountability Concerns: The inability to freely investigate and report on alleged war crimes hinders efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.

Digital Security Risks: Journalists face increased risks of online harassment, hacking, and doxxing, further compromising their safety and ability to report.

international Response and Calls for Accountability

International organizations and press freedom advocates have condemned the killings of Palestinian journalists and called for investigations:

CPJ and RSF Demands: The Committee to protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders have repeatedly called for an end to the violence against journalists and for those responsible for their deaths to be held accountable.

UN Statements: The United Nations has expressed concern over the safety of journalists in Gaza and urged all parties to respect press freedom.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Examination: The ICC is investigating alleged war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories,including potential attacks on journalists.

Advocacy Groups: Numerous advocacy groups are working to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinian journalists and to provide them with support.

Historical Context: Palestinian Displacement and Media Representation

Understanding the current crisis requires acknowledging the historical context of Palestinian displacement and its impact on media representation. According to estimations from the Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs (PASSIA) from 2001, the situation following the expulsion of Palestinians from Kuwait in 1991 significantly impacted the Palestinian narrative and its representation in the media. This historical context highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian journalists in maintaining an independent voice.

Supporting Palestinian Journalists: Practical Steps

Individuals and organizations can take several steps to support Palestinian journalists:

Donate to Press Freedom Organizations: support organizations like CPJ and RSF that provide assistance to journalists in conflict zones.

Share Their Work: Amplify the voices of Palestinian journalists by sharing their reports and articles on social media.

advocate for Accountability: Contact your elected officials and urge them to demand accountability for the killings of journalists.

Provide Digital Security Training: Offer training to journalists on digital security best practices to protect them from online threats.

Mental Health Support: Contribute to organizations providing mental health services to journalists traumatized by conflict.

Resources for Further Information

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ): https://cpj.org/

* reporters Without Borders (RSF): [https://rsf.org/](https://