After 15 months of relentless bombardment, the war in Gaza has been the deadliest on record for journalists, with at least 166 Palestinian media workers killed, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). As the world awaits a ceasefire deal, press freedom organisations are demanding unfettered access for foreign journalists and accountability for alleged war crimes.
On 25 December, journalist Ayman al-Gedi’s pregnant wife went into labour. After taking her to hospital, he joined colleagues from Al-Quds Today TV near the hospital. At about 2am, their press vehicle was bombed, killing all five journalists inside. The IDF claimed they were militants posing as reporters, but provided no evidence. The CPJ said: 'The deliberate targeting of journalists is a war crime.'
On 11 December, journalist Eman al-Shanti posted about surviving 14 months of bombardment. Hours later, her apartment in Gaza City was bombed, killing her, her husband, and their three young children. Their 13-year-old daughter survived with severe wounds. Shanti had worked as a broadcaster for over a decade, hosting a programme on societal issues and women’s rights.
Press freedom groups are now calling for justice and an end to impunity, as foreign journalists remain barred from entering Gaza by Israel.
