The Palestinian Centre for Defending Journalists (PJPC) has reported that the Israeli occupation killed 65 Palestinian journalists during its military operations in Gaza in 2024. The attacks have also targeted their families and homes, further escalating the crisis.

In its report titled “A Bloody Year”, published on Tuesday, the centre confirmed the latest victim as journalist Ahmed Jabr Al-Louh, killed while covering events at a Civil Defence point in Nuseirat market. This month alone, five journalists have been killed, including Muhammad Jabr Al-Qarnawi and his family, as well as journalist Iman Al-Shanti and her family.

The report revealed that since 7 October 2023, the Israeli occupation has committed widespread violations, including the killing of 196 journalists, the injury of 396 others, and the arrest of at least 40. Additionally, 524 family members of journalists have been killed as a result of direct targeting of their homes.

Among the wounded is photographer Sami Shehadeh, who lost his leg after undergoing surgery at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Journalist Fadi Al-Wahidi remains in critical condition at Baptist Hospital in Gaza, with repeated calls for his evacuation for treatment still unanswered.

The report also addressed the plight of detained journalists, citing the case of Khader Abdel Aal, who was tortured following his arrest from Al-Shifa Hospital, leaving him unable to walk.

Alaa Al-Mashharawi, head of PJPC, described 2024 as the second worst year for Palestinian journalists after 2023. He condemned the systematic targeting of journalists as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, calling for immediate accountability.

“The Israeli occupation has become the primary enemy of journalists,” Al-Mashharawi said, urging the international community to form an independent committee to investigate these crimes. He called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to expedite investigations into the killing of journalists and bring perpetrators to justice.

Al-Mashharawi further stressed that international law guarantees journalists protection as civilians under Article 79 of the First Protocol to the Geneva Conventions. He called on the United Nations to intensify efforts to safeguard freedom of expression and ensure justice for Palestinian journalists who pay with their lives to uncover the truth.