The Israeli occupation forces continue to commit grave violations against Palestinian journalists, as part of the broader campaign of collective punishment and alleged acts of genocide targeting civilians in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. These actions disregard international laws and conventions designed to protect civilians and media workers during armed conflicts.
According to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, Israeli forces killed 15 Palestinian journalists during the first quarter of 2025, within the ongoing military offensive against Gaza. In addition, 11 journalists sustained injuries, and the homes of 12 journalists were destroyed due to heavy bombardment.
A report issued by the Syndicate’s Freedom Committee further revealed that the Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of 17 members of journalists’ families and the complete destruction of their homes. Numerous journalists also sustained serious injuries as a result of the attacks.
The report documented 15 cases of arbitrary arrests targeting journalists either from their homes or during field coverage. Several journalists remain in Israeli detention. During the same period, 49 incidents of death threats were recorded against journalists, alongside 16 cases of confiscation or destruction of media equipment.
Furthermore, around 117 journalists were subjected to assault, suppression, or obstruction while covering events, particularly in Jerusalem and Jenin. Another 31 journalists suffered from tear gas inhalation, while 13 were formally barred from carrying out their reporting activities.
In total, 343 violations and attacks against journalists were recorded, encompassing verbal abuse, incitement, unjustified fines, forced court appearances, and the deletion of media materials from cameras.
The Government Media Office in Gaza reported that the number of Palestinian journalists killed since the start of the military assault on 7 October 2023 has reached 212.
The deliberate targeting of journalists, the destruction of their homes, and arbitrary arrests form part of a broader pattern of collective punishment and attacks on civilians.
Under the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law, journalists, as civilians, are entitled to special protection during armed conflicts. The deliberate targeting of journalists constitutes a serious violation of these legal protections.
The continued attacks against media professionals not only undermine the right to information but also attempt to obscure the reality of events on the ground. These actions call for urgent international intervention to protect journalists, uphold the principles of international law, and ensure accountability for violations committed against media workers.
