The Government Media Office in Gaza has reported a sharp increase in the number of journalists killed since the beginning of the Israeli military operation on 7 October 2023. According to the Office, the death toll among Palestinian journalists has now reached 226.
The latest fatality was photojournalist Ahmad Qelejeh, who succumbed to injuries sustained during an Israeli airstrike. He had been receiving treatment at Al-Mamdani Hospital in Gaza City. Medical sources confirmed his condition had been critical since the time of the attack.
The targeting of journalists in conflict zones constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law, which affords protection to civilians, including media workers. Human rights frameworks emphasise the right to freedom of the press and the safety of journalists as fundamental components of democratic societies.
Three other media personnel were also confirmed killed on Thursday. Among them were field correspondent Suleiman Hajjaj, photographer Ismail Barghouti, and journalist Yousra Al-Ghoul, a contributor to the Palestinian Space Channel. In addition, journalist Ahmed Abu Saqr of the National Media Agency died from injuries sustained earlier in May.
The Gaza Government Media Office stated that these deaths form part of a broader campaign of mass violence launched by Israeli forces, which it described as collective punishment against the civilian population of Gaza. Since 7 October 2023, the military campaign has led to extensive loss of life and large-scale displacement.
According to humanitarian sources, the ongoing hostilities have resulted in more than 180,000 Palestinian casualties, including the dead and wounded. The majority of the victims are reported to be women and children. Over 11,000 individuals remain unaccounted for. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, with entire families killed, including many children.
Acts of forced displacement, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the targeting of protected persons, including journalists, have occurred despite repeated calls from international legal bodies and human rights organisations. These developments have raised serious concerns regarding compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.
Human rights observers stress that international legal obligations require immediate action to halt ongoing violations and ensure the protection of civilians, including members of the press. Journalists continue to pay a high price in their pursuit of truth.
