Among them are 26 Palestinians, four Israelis and one Lebanese, according to the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The war takes a heavy toll on journalists. In Gaza, journalists are exposed to particularly high risks “in view of a ground offensive (…), devastating air strikes by Israel, interrupted communications and widespread power outages.”
According to CPJ, eight journalists have been injured so far and nine others are missing or arrested. There are also unconfirmed reports of further deaths, cases of disappearances and threats against and damage to the offices of media companies and the homes of journalists.
The organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) describes the Gaza Strip as a particularly hostile area with regard to press freedom. The ruling Hamas and the militant Palestinian organization Islamic Jihad would harass and hinder journalists suspected of collaborating with Israel. Israel, in turn, has “steadily suppressed” reporting on the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the war, RSF reports. The Israeli military would do “everything possible to prevent the spread of images,” said RSF Secretary General Christophe Deloire about two weeks after the start of the war.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
