The international organization ARTICLE 19 has condemned the ongoing Israeli targeting of journalists amid the genocidal war in Gaza, describing it as one of the deadliest conflicts for journalists in recent history. According to the organization, the escalating attacks on media workers have contributed to an alarming rise in the number of martyrs since the war's onset in October 2023. This trend continued into December 2024 and early 2025, making it one of the most dangerous times for journalists and media workers.
ARTICLE 19 has called on Israel to cease all attacks on journalists and media outlets, urging the occupying state to fulfill its international obligations to support press freedom. The organization also appealed to the International Criminal Court to prioritize investigations into the deliberate targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza.
In recent weeks, at least 11 Palestinian journalists have been killed, including five from Al-Quds Channel who were killed in an airstrike on December 26. The strike targeted a vehicle clearly marked as a press vehicle. Despite these facts, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the attack, claiming that the journalists were "Islamic Jihad militants disguised as journalists." ARTICLE 19 has expressed grave concern over such justifications, highlighting that journalists are protected under international humanitarian law as civilians and that the threshold for losing this protection is exceptionally high.
The organization has criticized Israel's consistent pattern of accusing journalists of being affiliated with armed groups, a narrative that undermines their protected status under international law. These recent killings have contributed to Palestine representing more than half of the total journalists killed worldwide in 2024, according to the International Federation of Journalists.
ARTICLE 19 emphasized the critical role journalists play in conflict zones, providing essential information, documenting crimes, and highlighting humanitarian needs. The ongoing killings limit the availability of information, reducing the ability to hold violators accountable and address the needs of civilians. The organization reiterated that Israel is obligated under international law to protect journalists and promote press freedom, especially during times of war. It also called on the international community to hold Israel accountable and establish mechanisms to prioritize investigations into the deliberate targeting of journalists during the conflict.
