At least 17 journalists have been killed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war amid escalating tensions as a ground offensive launched by Israeli forces is underway, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Among those journalists killed, 13 were Palestinian, three Israeli, and one Lebanese. In addition, eight journalists were injured, and three were reported missing or detained, the New York-based advocacy group said. CBJ provides a list of names sourced from its regional informants and media reports. The list is updated regularly.
The organization warned of “high risks” that journalists in Gaza encounter while attempting to report on the conflict amid the ongoing warfare, which includes dangerous conditions such as airstrikes, power outages, and disrupted communications.
“CPJ emphasizes that journalists are civilians doing important work during times of crisis and must not be targeted by warring parties,” according to Sherif Mansour, CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa program coordinator.
“Journalists across the region are making great sacrifices to cover this heartbreaking conflict. All parties must take steps to ensure their safety,” Mr. Mansour added.
The news agency’s editor-in-chief called for an official investigation into the incident.
The incident occurred after the IDF said artillery shells were fired at Hezbollah posts after the Lebanese terrorist group opened fire at several IDF military facilities.
Rise in Journalist Deaths
According to CPJ, at least 67 journalists and media workers were killed in 2022, 50 percent higher than in 2021 and the highest number since 2018.The increased number of journalist fatalities while reporting on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and violence in Latin America is the primary cause of the high death tolls.
At least 15 journalists were killed in Ukraine in 2022 since Russia launched an attack on the country in February of that year, according to the CPJ.
The CPJ report documented 30 journalists murdered in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, and Paraguay in 2022, highlighting the risk of reporting on gang violence, crime, and corruption in Latin America. Twelve journalists were murdered in retaliation for their work.
The organization documented the annual deaths that peaked in 2012 and 2013, with 144 and 142 journalists killed, respectively, primarily due to the war in Syria.
RSF data shows that in the last decade, journalists have faced the greatest risks in war zones where armed conflict was happening. Of the 686 journalist killings recorded since 2014, 335 occurred in war zones, including Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen.
Over the last two decades, 80 percent of journalist deaths have occurred in 15 countries. In Iraq and Syria, 578 journalists have been killed in the past 20 years, representing a third of worldwide numbers.
