Gaza Media Office Reports Over 260 Journalists Killed Since War Began
The government media office in Gaza announced on Saturday that 262 journalists and media professionals have been killed and over 433 injured since the start of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023. The figures were released on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian Journalist, observed annually on September 26.
According to the statement, the casualties include 26 female journalists and media professionals. Additionally, 28 influential media activists were reported killed. The office also stated that over 433 journalists and media workers sustained injuries of varying degrees. During the war, Israeli forces arrested 50 journalists, with 23 still in detention, and three journalists are reported missing.
The statement highlighted the severe impact on journalists' families, noting that 32 families of slain journalists were "wiped out" and 53 homes belonging to journalists were completely or partially destroyed.
Media institutions have also suffered extensive damage, with 12 newspaper and magazine offices, 23 online news sites, 11 local radio stations, 16 television and satellite channels, 27 printing presses, and five union and professional organizations related to press freedom being destroyed or damaged. The preliminary losses to Gaza's media sector are estimated at over $800 million, though 143 media organizations continue to operate despite damaged facilities.
The media office described the targeting of journalists and media institutions as a "widespread and systematic" campaign. It called upon the United Nations, the International Federation of Journalists, and the Arab Journalists Association to act to protect Palestinian journalists and to open investigations into their targeting, holding those responsible accountable.
