Five journalists were killed on Sunday in a direct Israeli strike on a media tent near al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, according to reports. The victims included Al Jazeera journalists Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qraiqea, along with videographers Ibrahim Thaher and Mohammed Nofal and one other colleague. This brings the total number of journalists killed in the current conflict to 238, making it the deadliest war for media workers in living memory.
The systematic targeting of journalists has escalated sharply, with 2024 recording the highest annual death toll, the vast majority at the hands of Israeli forces. Worldwide, a journalist was killed every three days in 2024, compared to every four days in 2023. The killings are part of a broader trend of silencing media, often by autocratic regimes seeking to conceal crimes.
Israeli actions have been marked by impunity, with little reaction from leaders of the so-called free world. Some media organisations have repeated Israeli allegations against targeted journalists without verification. In addition to direct killings, Israel has used starvation as a weapon, with journalists collapsing from hunger while reporting.
Al Jazeera has now lost nine journalists in Gaza, including the latest victims. Local journalists, who know the land and people best, are not only reporting on the tragedy but living it. Despite the dangers, they remain committed to bearing witness to the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe and genocide.
The international community must act urgently to safeguard journalists and pressure Israel to stop targeting them, allow international media access, and ensure freedom of operation in Gaza. Journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear of violence, to protect the global public's right to know the truth.
