Deadly Year for Journalists: 3/4 Killed in Israeli Attacks
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has released a report indicating that the majority of murders of journalists and media workers worldwide last year occurred during Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. Out of the 99 murders recorded, at least three-quarters of them took place during these attacks.
The report highlighted that most of the targeted journalists were of Palestinian origin, with the number of journalists losing their lives in the conflict within three months surpassing the total number of journalists killed in a single country in an entire year.
In addition to Palestinian journalists, the report also noted that the casualties included 3 Lebanese and 2 Israeli journalists. Many families of the journalists killed in Gaza also lost their lives as a result of the attacks.
According to the report, Israeli military officials have either denied specifically targeting journalists or have provided minimal information when confirming press killings.
The number of journalists killed in 2023 saw a significant increase of approximately 44 percent compared to the previous year, reaching the highest number since 2015.
Among the journalists killed in Israel’s attacks was Muntasir al-Sawwaf, an AA cameraman who was covering the intense bombardment of the blockaded Gaza Strip. His brother and some relatives also lost their lives in the attack.
Al Jazeera cameraman Samir Abu Dakka and Gaza correspondent Vail ed-Dahduh were injured in an attack near the Ferhane School, where displaced people sought refuge. Tragically, Abu Dakka later succumbed to his injuries.
Another incident involved an attack on journalists by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, resulting in the death of Reuters News Agency cameraman Issam Abdullah and injuring 6 other media members. Independent investigations conducted by international news organizations and human rights groups confirmed the incident.
This report sheds light on the dangerous conditions journalists face in conflict zones and the significant impact on not only the journalists themselves but their families and colleagues.
