One month after the start of the Israel-Gaza war, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)’s research showed at least 39 journalists and media workers have been killed, in what is now the deadliest month for journalists since CPJ began gathering data in 1992.
As the conflict continues, journalists are facing increased hostilities, including 13 arrests, as well as numerous assaults, threats that obstruct reporting, cyberattacks, and censorship. This week, CPJ joined in solidarity with journalists and press freedom advocates who gathered to mourn their colleagues killed during the ongoing war.
The heartfelt gathering was organized by photojournalist David Delgado and colleagues whose moving tribute to the lives of those who bear witness at immense cost, was echoed with candles and flowers from attendees. As journalists try to stay safe and continue working, they are also dealing with severe personal loss.
Several journalists have also lost family members while covering the war. On October 25, Wael Al Dahdouh, Al-Jazeera’s bureau chief for Gaza, lost his wife, son, daughter, and grandson when an Israel airstrike hit the Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of Gaza.
IPI says 38 journalists killed
Meanwhile, the International Press Institute (IPI) is tracking press freedom violations and journalist casualties, including killed journalists, missing or detained journalists and injured journalists, amid the Hamas-Israel war.
Since October 7, at least 38 journalists have been among the casualties of the Hamas-Israel war, according to IPI data, which is gathered through local sources, local media freedom organisations, and media reports. At least 9 of them are currently believed to have been killed while carrying out their work, either while reporting on the ground or, e.g., killed during airstrikes on media offices.
There are also numerous journalists among the civilian casualties of missile strikes and other attacks. IPI’s is tracking all reported journalist casualties in relation to the Hamas-Israel war, while also providing more specific data on the number of journalists killed while on a professional assignment. Cases where circumstances are unclear and where IPI is working to confirm details are noted as such.
IPI is documenting and verifying reports of journalists killed through news reports and local sources. This article will be regularly updated as the situation develops.