More than two years after the start of the war in Gaza in Palestine, Israel is continuing with its bombardments and the humanitarian situation is extremely dire, with the Israeli government deliberately using starvation as a weapon against the people of Gaza. Palestinian journalists and media workers are the only ones bearing witness to the atrocities amid Israel’s ban on foreign media. Since Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, and the subsequent invasion, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed. This includes at least 253 journalists and media workers, a mortality rate of over ten per cent – dramatically higher than any other occupational group.
For months, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has had evidence that the Israeli army has deliberately targeted journalists, and some of these cases are currently the subject of a complaint file before the International Criminal Court (ICC). On 20 May 2024, the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, called for arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders - including the Prime Minister, Benyamin Netanyahu, and his defence minister, Yoav Gallant - on charges of crimes against humanity and war cimes.
Since the initial attack the IFJ has called for the release of all hostages, for the opening of Gaza to international reporters, and Israel to respect international law that requires combatants to safeguard journalists. The IFJ has also worked closely with its affiliate, the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate to support those reporting from Gaza. Supported by donations from all over the world, the IFJ’s International Safety Fund has paid for medical equipment, battery packs, food, fuel, clothing and tents for Gaza’s journalists. Their needs grow by the day, and more help is desperately required.
Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, at least 253 journalists and media workers have been killed, dozens have been injured and others are missing. The IFJ is working closely with its affiliate, the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate (PJS) to verify information in real time.
Mohammad Jarghoun, Smart Media, killed on 7 October 2023
Ibrahim Lafi, Ain Media news agency, killed on 7 October 2023
Mohammad Al-Salhi, photojournalist for news agency Fourth Authority, killed on 7 October 2023
Asaad Shamlakh, freelance journalist, killed on 8 October 2023
Said Al-Tawil, director of Al-Khamisa news agency, killed on 10 October 2023
Mohammed Sobboh, photojournalist for Khabar news agency in Gaza, killed on 10 October 2023
Hisham Al-Nawajha, photographer for Khabar news agency in Gaza, killed on 10 October 2023
Salam Meimah (W), journalist for Al Quds Radio, killed on 10 October 2023
Mohammed Fayez Yousef Abu Matar, freelance photographer, killed on 11 October 2023
Ahmed Shehab, producer of Voice of Prisoners Radio, killed on 12 October 2023
Hossam Mubarak, Al Aqsa TV, killed on 13 October 2023
Yousef Dawwas, freelance journalist, killed on 14 October 2023
Abdul Hadi Habib, Al Aqsa TV, killed on 16 October 2023
Isam Bahar, Al Aqsa TV, killed on 17 October 2023
Mohammed Balousha, Palestine TV, killed on 17 October 2023
Samih Al-Nadi, director and producer of Al Aqsa TV, killed on 18 October 2023
Khalil Abu Athra, cameraman for Al Aqsa TV, killed on 19 October 2023
Muhammad Abu Ali, Al-Shabab radio, killed on 20 October 2023
Hani Madhoun, administrative staff for Al Aqsa TV, killed on 21 October 2023
Roshdi Sarraj, co-founder of Ain Media, photojournalist, filmmaker and fixer for several international media such as Radio France, killed on 22 October 2023
Mohammed Imad Labad, journalist for Al Resalah news website, killed on 23 October 2023
Tasneem Bkheet (W), journalist for Al-Saada magazine, killed on 24 October 2023
Saed al-Halabi, Al-Aqsa TV, killed on 25 October 2023
Ahmed Abu Mahadi, Al-Aqsa TV, killed on 25 October 2023
Salma Mukhaimar (W), journalist, killed on 25 October 2023
Jamal Al-Faqawi, journalist for Mithaq Media Network, killed on 25 October 2023
Zaher Al-Afghani, journalist for Mithaq Media Network, killed on 25 October 2023
Duaa Sharaf (W), journalist for Al Aqsa Radio, killed on 26 October 2023
Mohammad Fayez Al Hassan, director general of Rawasi, killed on 26 October 2023
Yasser Abu Namous, journalist for Al Sahel media, killed on 27 October 2023
Nazmi Al-Nadim, deputy director of finance and administration for Palestine TV, killed on 30 October 2023
Majd Kashkou, media worker for Palestine TV, killed on 31 October 2023
Imad Wahidi, media worker for Palestine TV, killed on 31 October 2023
Majd Fadl Arandas, journalist for news website Al-Jamahir, killed on 1 November 2023
Mohammed Abu Hatab, correspondent for Palestine TV, killed on 2 November 2023
Mohammed Bayyari, journalist for Al Aqsa TV, killed on 2 November 2023
Iyad Matar, administrative staff at Al Aqsa TV, killed on 2 November 2023
Mohammed Al Jajeh, Press House, killed on 6 November 2023
Mohammad Abu Hasira, correspondent for WAFA news agency, body found under the rubble on 7 November 2023
Yahya Abu Munie, journalist for Al Aqsa radio, killed on 7 November 2023
Ahmed Al-Qara, photojournalist, killed on 10 November 2023
Mousa Al Barsh, executive director of Namaa Radio, killed on 12 November 2023
Ahmed Fatmah, photographer for Al Qahera News, killed on 13 November 2023
Yacoub Bursh, director general of Namaa Radio, killed on 14 November 2023
Mahmoud Matar, freelance journalist, killed on 15 November 2023
Moseab Ashour, photographer, killed on 18 November 2023
Mustafa Al-Sawaf, journalist and writer, killed on 18 November 2023
Amr Abu Haya, media worker in Al Aqsa TV, killed on 18 November 2023
Saary Mansour, director of Quds News Network, killed on 18 November 2023
Hassouneh Isleem, freelance photographer for Quds News, killed on 18 November 2023
Bilal Jadallah, director general of media development organisation Press House, killed on 19 November 2023
Abdelhalim Awad, driver for Al Aqsa TV, killed on 18 November 2023
Ayat Al-Khaddura (W), digital and broadcaster journalist, killed on 20 November 2023
Khamis Salem Deab, editor at Al Quds Radio, killed on 20 November 2023
Jamal Hanieh, editor at Amwaj Sports Media Network, killed on 21 November 2023
Mohamad Nabil Al-Zaq, journalist for Quds TV, killed on 22 November 2023
Assem Al-Barsh, journalist for Palestinian Al-Ray radio, killed on 22 November 2023
Muhammad Moin Ayyash, photojournalist, killed on 23 November 2023
Amal Zahed (W), journalist, killed on 24 November 2023
Mustafa Bakir, journalist and cameraman for Al Aqsa TV, killed on 24 November 2023
Nader Al-Nazli, technician for Palestine TV, killed on 25 November 2023
Abdallah Darwish, photojournalist for Al Aqsa TV, killed on 1 December 2023
Muntaser Al-Sawaf, photographer for Anadolu Agency, killed on 1 December 2023
Marwan Al-Sawaf, photographer for Alef Media, killed on 1 December 2023
Adham Hassouna, freelance journalist, killed on 1 December 2023
Hassan Farajallah, executive at Al Quds TV, killed on 3 December 2023
Hamada Al-Yaziji, editor at Kanaan News Agency and Al Quds radio, killed on 3 December 2023
Shaima Jazzar (W), freelance journalist, killed on 4 December 2023
Ala Atallah (W), journalist, killed on 9 December 2023
Mohamed Abu Samra, photojournalist, killed on 9 December 2023
Duaa Jabbour (W), freelance journalist for Eyes Media Network, killed on 9 December 2023
Narmeen Qawwas (W), intern at Russia Today, killed on 11 December 2023
Abdul Karim Odeh, journalist and former Al-Mayadeen correspondent, killed on 13 December 2023
Samer Abu Daqqa, cameraman for Al Jazeera Arabic, killed on 15 December 2023
Assem Kamal Moussa, journalist for Palestine Now, killed on 16 December 2023
Haneen Ali Al-Qashtan (W), journalist for Sawt Al Watan Radio, killed on 17 December 2023
Abdallah Alwan, media worker for Al Jazeera owned platform Midan, killed on 18 December 2023
Mohammad Nasser Abu Hweidy, photojournalist for Al Istiqlal newspaper, killed on 22 December 2023
Ahmad Jamal Madhoun, deputy director at Al Rai news agency, killed on 23 December 2023
Mohammad Saidi (Khalifa), director at Al Aqsa TV, killed on 24 December 2023
Mohammad Abdul Khaleq Al Ghuf, photojournalist for Al Rai news agency, killed on 24 December 2023
Huthaifa Lulu, broadcast engineer at Prisoners Radio, who previously worked for Al Quds TV, killed on 24 December 2023
Mohamed Azzaytouniyah, media worker and sound engineer for Al Rai, killed on 24 December 2023
Mohamad Al-Iff, journalist and photographer for Al-Rai news agency, killed on 24 December 2023
Mohammad Khair Al Din, archiving officer at Al Aqsa TV, killed on 28 December 2023
Ahmad Khair Al Din, photojournalist for Al Aqsa TV, killed on 28 December 2023
Jaber Abu Hedrous, correspondent for Al-Quds TV, killed on 29 December 2023
Akram Al Shafei, correspondent for Safa News Agency, killed on 5 January 2024
Hamza Al-Dahdouh, journalist for Al Jazeera, killed on 7 January 2024
Mustafa Thuraya, freelance videographer for Agence France Presse, killed on 7 January 2024
Heba Al-Abdallah (W), journalist, killed on 9 January 2024
Ahmad Bdeir, journalist for local magazine Hadaf News, killed on 10 January 2024
Shareef Okasha, freelance photographer, killed on 10 January 2024
Mohammed Jamal Sabahi Al Thalathin, journalist for Al Quds TV, killed on 11 January 2024
Yazan Al-Zuweidi, photographer for Al Ghad TV, killed on 15 January 2024
Iyad Ahmed Al-Ruwahi, correspondent and presenter for Voice of Al Aqsa Radio, killed on 26 January 2024
Mohamed Abdel El Fatah Atta Allah, editor for Al-Risala newspaper, killed on 29 January 2024
Nafez Abdel Jawad, director of Palestine TV, killed on 8 February 2024
Yasser Mamdouh El-Fady, journalist for Kan'an news agency, 11 February 2024
Alaa al-Hams (W), journalist for local media, killed on 12 February 2024
Angham Ahmed Adwan (W), journalist for Libyan channel February, killed on 12 February 2024
Zayd Abu Zayed, director of Quran Radio channel, killed on 15 February 2024
Mohammad Yaghi, photojournalist for a number of international media, including Al Jazeera, killed on 23 February 2024
Ibrahim Mahamid, journalist, presenter and cameraman for Al-Salam TV, Al-Shaab TV and other local media, killed on 1 March 2024
Mohammed Khader Ahmad Salama, journalist and presenter for Al-Aqsa TV, killed on 5 March 2024
Abdel Rahman Saima, photohrapher and producer for Raqmi TV, killed on 15 March 2024
Mohammed Al-Rifi, photojournalist, killed on 15 March 2024
Mohamed El Sayed Abu Skheil, broadcaster and editor at Al Quds radio, killed on 18 March 2024
Saher Akram Rayyan, media worker for WAFA news agency, killed on 25 March 2024
Mohammed Abu Sakhil, editor and graphic designer for Shams News Agency, killed on 28 March 2024
Tariq Al-Sayed Shakil, digital media editor for Voice of Al Quds radio, killed on 28 March 2024
Mohammed Basam Al Jamal, correspondent for Palestine Now news agency, killed on 25 April 2024
Ibrahim Al-Gharbawi, freelance photojournalist, killed on 26 April 2024
Ayman Al-Gharbawi, freelance photojournalist,killed on 26 April 2024
Salem Abu Toyour, media worker for Al-Quds Al-Youm TV channel,killed on 29 April 2024
Mustafa Ayyad, freelance photojournalist for Al Jazeera Live, killed on 6 May 2024
Baha Akasha, photojournalist for Al-Aqsa Media Network, killed on 11 May 2024
Hael Al-Najjar, media worker for Al Aqsa Media Network, killed on 15 May 2024
Mahmoud Jahjouh, photojournalist for Palestine Post Network, killed on 17 May 2024
Ola Al-Dahdouh (W), journalist and presenter, radio station Watan, killed on 31 May 2024
Mohammad Abu Sharia, editor-in-chief of Shams News Agency, killed on 1 July 2024
Mohammad Al Sakni, director of Al Quds TV, killed on 5 July 2024
Ahmed Sukkar, journalist for Deep Shot Media production company, killed on 5 July 2024
Saadi Madoukh, director of Deep Shot Media production company, killed on 5 July 2024
Rizq Abu Shakyan, journalist and editor for Palestine Media Agency, killed on 6 July 2024
Wafa Abu Dabaan (W), programme producer and presenter for Islamic University radio station, killed on 6 July 2024
Amjad Al-Jahjouh, correspondent for Palestine Now news agency, killed on 6 July 2024
Mohamed Meshmesh, director of programs at Al-Aqsa Voice Radio, killed on 15 July 2024
Mohamed Abu Jasser, journalist for newspapers Al-Risala and Felesteen, killed on 20 July 2024
Mohammad Majid Abu Daqa, journalist, killed on 29 July 2024
Ismail al-Ghoul, journalist for Al Jazeera Arabic, killed on 31 July 2024
Rami al-Refee, cameraman for Al Jazeera Arabic, killed on 31 July 2024
Mohammed Issa Abu Saada, freelance photographer and videographer for Sahat and Al Sharqiya Pulse, killed on 6 August 2024
Tamim Muammar, journalist for Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation - Voice of Palestine, killed on 9 August 2024
Abdullah Al-Sousi, journalist for Al Aqsa TV, killed on 9 August 2024
Ibrahim Muhareb, freelance photojournalist, killed on 18 August 2024
Hamza Murtaja, journalist, killed on 20 August 2024
Hossam Manal Al-Dabbaka, photojournalist for Al Quds TV, killed on 22 August 2024
Ali Taima, cameraman for Al-Awda TV channel, killed on 26 August 2024
Mohammad Abed Rabbo, working for Al-Manara Media Production Company, killed on 28 August 2024
Nour Abu Oweimer (W), journalist and freelance podcaster for Al Jazeera Network, killed on 3 October 2024
Hassan Hamad, freelancejournalist, killed on 6 October 2024
Mohammad Al Tanani, photojournalist for Al Aqsa TV, killed on 9 October 2024
Saed Radwan, head of digital media department at Al Aqsa TV, killed on 27 October 2024
Hamza Abu Salmiya, journalist at Sand News Agency, killed on 27 October 2024
Haneen Mahmoud Baroud (W), journalist at Al Quds Foundation, killed on 27 October 2024
Amr Abu Odeh, freelance photojournalist for Anadolu and Reuters news agencies, killed on 31 October 2024
Bilal Muhammad Rajab, photojournalist at Al Quds Al Youm channel, killed on 1 November 2024
Ahmed Abu Skheil, photojournalist for Al-Elamya news agency, killed on 9 November 2024
Zahraa Abu Skheil (W), reporter for Al-Elamya news agency, killed on 9 November 2024
Mahdi Al-Mamluk, external broadcaster engineer for Al-Quds Al-Youm TV, killed on 11 November 2024
Mohammed Saleh Al-Sharif, journalist, killed on 16 November 2024
Ahmed Abu Shariya, freelance photojournalist for Tasnim Agency, killed on 19 November 2024
Mamdouh Quneita, journalist for Al Aqsa TV, killed on 30 November 2024
Eman El-Shanti (W), journalist and broadcaster for Voice of Al Aqsa Radio, killed on 11 December 2024
Mohammed Baalousha, journalist for Dubai Al Mashhad TV, killed on 14 December 2024
Mohammed Jaber Al-Qerinawi, editor at Sanad News Agency, killed on 14 December 2024
Ahmed Al-Louh, cameraman for Al Jazeera, killed on 15 December 2024
Mohammed Al-Sharafi, freelance journalist, killed on 18 December 2024
Fadi Hassouna, journalist for the satellite channel Al-Quds Today, killed on 26 December 2024
Ibrahim Al-Sheikh Ali, journalist for the satellite channel Al-Quds Today, killed on 26 December 2024
Mohammed Al-Ladda, journalist for the satellite channel Al-Quds Today, killed on 26 December 2024
Faisal Abu Al-Qumsan, journalist for the satellite channel Al-Quds Today, killed on 26 December 2024
Ayman Al-Jadi, journalist for the satellite channel Al-Quds Today, killed on 26 December 2024
Hassan Al-Qishawi, freelance photojournalist, killed on 2 January 2025
Omar Al-Derawi, journalist, killed on 3 January 2025
Areej Shaheen (W), freelance photographer, killed on 3 January 2025
Saed Abu Nabhan, journalist for Alghad TV and freelance photographer for Anadolu Agency, killed on 10 January 2025
Mohammed Al-Talmas, journalist for Wafa news agency, killed on 14 January 2025
Aql Hussein Saleh, journalist, killed on 15 January 2025
Ahmed Hesham Abu Al-Rous, journalist, killed on 15 January 2025
Ahmed Al-Shayyah, journalist, killed on 15 January 2025
Mahmoud Islim Al-Basos, freelance photographer, killed on 15 march 2025
Hossam Shabat, journalist for Al Jazeera Mubasher, killed on 24 March 2025
Mohammed Mansour, journalist for Palestine Today, killed on 24 March 2025
Hilmi Al Faqaawi, journalist for Palestine Today, killed on 7 April 2025
Ahmad Mansour, journalist for Palestine Today, died of his injuries on 8 April 2025
Fatima Hassona, freelance photojournalist, died of his injuries on 16 April 2025
Yahya Subaih, journalist, killed on 7 may 2025
Nour El-Din Abdo, journalist, killed on 7 May 2025
Hassan Aslih, journalist and head of the Alam24 news outlet, killed on 13 May 2025
Ahmed el-Helou, journalist for Quds News Network, killed on 16 May 2025
Hassan Sammour, journalist for Al Aqsa Voice Radio, killed on 16 May 2025
Aziz Al-Hajjar, freelance photoournalist, killed on 17 May 2025
Abdul Rahman Tawfiq Al-Abadla, freelance reporter and photographer, killed on 17 May 2025
Hassan Majdi Abu Warda, Director of Barq Gaza News Agency killed on 25 May 2025
Moataz Mohammad Rajab, a journalist with Al-Quds Al-Youm TV was killed on 28 May 2025
Suleiman Hajjaj, correspondent for Palestine Today, killed on 5 June 2025
Ismail Badah, cameraman for Palestine Today, killed on 5 June 2025
Samir Al Rifai, Shams News Agency, killed on 5 June 2025
Ahmed Qaljah, freelance cameraman for Al Arabiya, succumbed to his injuries on 5 June 2025
Moamen Abu AlOuf, freelance photographer, killed on 6 June 2025
Ismail Abu Hatab, freelance photojournalist, killed on 30 June 2025
Ahmad Salama Abu Eisha, journalist for Palestine Today, killed on 10 July 2025
Tamer Rabhi Rafiq Al Za'anin, freelance journalist, killed on 22 July 2025
Walaa Al Jabari (W), journalist, killed on 23 July 2025
Adam Abu Harbid, journalist, killed on 24 July 2025
Ibrahim Mahmoud Hajaj, photojournalist, killed on 30 July 2025
Anas al-Sharif, journalist for AlJazeera, killed on 10 August 2025
Mohammed Qreiqeh, correspondent for AlJazeera, killed on 10 August 2025
Ibrahim Zaher, camera operator for Al Jazeera, killed on 10 August 2025
Moamen Aliwa, camera operator for Al Jazeera, killed on 10 August 2025
Mohammed Noufal, driver for Al Jazeera, killed on 10 August 2025
Mohammed Al-Khaldi, freelance photojournalist, succumbed to the wounds he sustained on 11 August 2025
Marwa Ashraf Mushallam (W), journalist, her body was found on 16 August 2025
Mohammed Mustafa Al-Madhoun, cameraman for Palestine TV, killed on 23 August 2025
Khaled Al-Madhoun, cameraman for Palestine TV, killed on 23 August 2025
Hossam Al-Masri, photographer working for Reuters news agency, killed on 25 August 2025
Mohammed Salama, photojournalist working for Al Jazeera, killed on 25 August 2025
Maryam Abu Deqa (W), journalist working for several media such as Associated Press and Independent Arab, killed on 25 August 2025
Moaz Abu Taha, journalist for NBC news, killed on 25 August 2025
Ahmed Abu Aziz, freelance journalist for Middle East Eye, succumbed to his injuries on 25 August 2025
Hassan Douhan, journalist and director of the investigative reporting unit of Al-Hayat Al-Jadida newspaper, killed on 25 August 2025
Islam Abed (W), journalist and correspondent for Al Quds Al Youm channel, killed on 31 August 2025
Rasmi Jihad Salem photojournalist for the Al-Manara Media company was killed on 2 september 2025
Osama Ahmed Balousha, journalist at Siraj Media Network, killed on 2 September 2025
Mohammed Alaa Al-Sawalehi, cameraman for the Al-Quds Today channel, was killed on 17 September 2025
Yehya Barzak, freelance photojournalist working for TRT, was killed on 30 September 2025
Ahmed Abu Mutair, engineer at production company Palestine Media Production (PMP), working for the German public broadcaster ZDF, killed on 19 October 2025
Mohammad Al-Munirawi, reporter for Palestine newspaper, killed on 29 October 2025
Mahmoud Wadi, photographer for news and photography agency Alam 24, killed on 2 December 2025
Mohammed Salah Qashta, freelance journalist, killed on 21 January 2026
Anas Ghneim, freelance journalist, killed on 21 January 2026
Abdul Raouf Shaat, freelance journalist and photo and video contributor to Agence France Presse (AFP), killed on 21 January 2026
Amal Hammad Al-Shamali working with several Arab and local media outlets was killed on 9 March 2026.
Mohammed Samir Wishah, correspondent for Al Jazeera Network, killed on 8 April 2026
1. Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, journalist at 26 September newspaper,killed on 10 September 2025
2. Abbas Al-Dailami, journalist at 26 September newspaper, killed on 10 September 2025
3. Youssef Shams Al-Din Al-Bahri, journalist at 26 September newspaper, killed on 10 September 2025
4. Mohammed Al-Omeisi, journalist at 26 September newspaper, killed on 10 September 2025
5. Abdullah Al-Harazi, journalist at 26 September newspaper, killed on 10 September 2025
6. Murad Halboub Al-Faqih, journalist at 26 September newspaper, killed on 10 September 2025
7. Ali Naji Al-Shara'i, journalist at 26 September newspaper, killed on 10 September 2025
8. Ali Mohammed Al-Aqel, journalist at 26 September newspaper,killed on 10 September 2025
9. Jamal Al-Adhi, journalist at 26 September newspaper, killed on 10 September 2025
10. Abdullah Mahdi Al-Bahri, journalist at 26 September newspaper, killed on 10 September 2025
11. Abdulqawi Al-Asfour, journalist at 26 September newspaper, killed on 10 September 2025
12. Sami Al-Zaidi, journalist at 26 September newspaper, killed on 10 September 2025
13. Musab Abdul Hafeez Al-Hattami, journalist at 26 September, killed on 10 September 2025
* The IFJ is working hard to keep this list up-to-date and accurate, seeking multiple sources for each name added, and concentrating on those who worked as journalists and media workers. Our intention is to list every journalist and media worker who has lost their life during the war. We welcome any further information that either contextualises the deaths itemised, or adds names to the list.
The IFJ and its Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate safety trainers in the field have taken into account the particular situation of working conditions for journalists in the Gaza Strip by updating its safety advice and calling on all newsrooms – especially employers – to protect its reporters, photographers and camera operators in the field. In such dangerous conditions, the IFJ reminds journalists on the ground to take precautions, wear professional safety equipment and not to travel without their news platforms providing them with all the professional safety equipment needed to cover events. No story is worth the life of a journalist.
On 13 October, the IFJ and its affiliates around the world called on UNESCO to do its utmost to protect journalists and demand that the warring parties de-escalate the violence, which will only result in civilian casualties, particularly journalists.
In addition, the battle against disinformation is one of the pillars of the IFJ's Global Ethics Charter for Journalists. Its provisions must remain the backbone of journalists' professional principles; being well informed is one of the first rights of a citizen.
To make individual donations to the Safety Fund, please click here.
To make donations of €200 or over, please do so by bank transfer to:
Account name: IFJ SAFETY FUND ACCOUNT
BIC: GEBABEBB
IBAN: BE64 2100 7857 0052 EUR
If you are making a donation, and have any questions, or wish to tell us about who you are or why you are donating, do get in touch. tim.dawson@ifj.org
WHO ARE THE JOURNALISTS IN GAZA?
Sami Abu Salem, freelance journalist and IFJ safety trainer
"Most of my energy goes for covering the basic needs of my family rather than the news [...]," says Sami Abu Salem, Gazan journalist and IFJ safety trainer. He explains that he has been displaced more than ten times since the war started in Gaza in October 2023. Abu Salem ends the video conveying a message to foreign journalists: "We need your help. Please come to Gaza, see and help us. We cannot work to cover everything here".
Ghada Al-Kurd, 'Der Spiegel' journalist and BBC freelancer
"Displacement means you have to take your stuff with you, to go to a new place, and to start from scratch inside a tent [...] It takes time, you miss your work, and it's very difficult to balance (field journalism with family responsibilities)," reflects Ghada Al-Kurd, Gazan journalist working for the German magazine 'Der Spiegel' and freelancing for the BBC. She has a clear message for foreign journalists: "You have to come to Gaza, you have to give Gaza's journalists a break".
"Targeting no longer only happens in a coverage area or in places described by the Israeli army as military zones. We are being targeted while supposedly safe in our displacement tents, tents clearly marked as belonging to journalists. Today, we are even being targeted inside our homes," explains Ruba Ak-Ajrami, TRT Arabic correspondent in the Gaza Strip.
“We are in desperate need to support our colleagues in Gaza, most of whom have lost their homes, many of whom have lost family. They need your solidarity and help to continue reporting on the atrocities endured day and night by the people of Gaza.” Baker encourages all who want to help Gaza’s journalists to continue their work to contribute to the IFJ’s International Safety Fund.
"Our hearts are broken for our colleagues in Gaza. They are not just our colleagues, they are our friends and we are in daily contact with them. We try to support them as much as we can, but this is really heartbreaking," says Rania Khayyat, PJS Communications Officer.
What Gaza's journalists miss from before the war started
Around 1,300 Palestinian journalists are the only people reporting from Gaza. Nearly all have been forced to leave their homes. Many are mourning
family members and colleagues. Despite being desperately short of water, food and fuel, most continue recording events in Gaza. We asked them what they miss from before the war started.
"There is no safe place in Gaza," says Palestinian journalist and IFJ safety trainer Sami Abu Salem about the reality of journalists and media workers operating from Gaza. "We have no internet service, there is a lack of electricity, no transportation, and even the streets are damaged. That's why we cannot tell lots of stories - thousands of stories."