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Journalists Are Civilians—Killing Them Is a War Crime
Under the Geneva Conventions, journalists are classified as civilians. Any deliberate attack on them constitutes a war crime. Despite this, Israel has increasingly targeted reporters in Gaza, labeling them “terrorists” without providing credible proof. The most recent incident involved the killing of six journalists in a tent shelter, including prominent Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif. While Israel accused al-Sharif of militancy, it failed to justify the deaths of his colleagues, whose only role was to document the war.
A Pattern of Impunity and Suppression of Press Freedom
Israel’s history of targeting journalists stretches back decades. Between 2003 and 2023, Israeli forces killed at least 20 journalists without accountability, including the assassination of Shireen Abu Akleh in 2022—a case that shocked the Arab world and global media. Such unchecked violence against the press has created an environment where killing journalists is carried out without fear of repercussions.
Anas al-Sharif’s fearless coverage of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis made him a household name. Yet from the start of the war, he endured threats, surveillance, and intimidation. In December 2023, an Israeli airstrike destroyed his family home, killing his 90-year-old father—a brutal reminder of the risks journalists face in Gaza.
The Targeting and Smearing of Anas al-Sharif
In 2024, after exposing severe starvation in Gaza caused by Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid, al-Sharif was accused of being a Hamas operative. This tactic of discrediting journalists before killing them is one the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has documented repeatedly. CPJ publicly called for his protection, warning that his life was in danger.
In August 2025, those warnings proved tragically accurate. Al-Sharif was killed in an airstrike that Israel openly admitted was aimed at him. He became the 184th Palestinian journalist killed since the start of the war, and one of at least 26 believed to have been deliberately assassinated for their reporting.
International Silence and Double Standards on Press Freedom
Israel denies deliberately targeting journalists, yet its own evidence often lacks credibility. In al-Sharif’s case, released documents only showed that he received a Hamas-linked salary in 2023—without proof of active combat involvement. The alleged “current intelligence” remains undisclosed.
The muted response from the international community is stark. When journalists were killed in Ukraine, governments reacted with outrage and tangible support. In Gaza, condemnation has been weaker, with few nations willing to impose sanctions or halt arms sales to pressure Israel into stopping the killings.
The Deadliest Conflict for Journalists in Modern History
More than 192 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since the war began—making this the deadliest conflict for the press ever recorded. As Israel intensifies its assault, independent reporting from Gaza is disappearing. Without these journalists, the truth risks being buried under official narratives.
Gaza’s reporters continue to work in unimaginable danger, driven by their commitment to inform the world. Their courage stands in sharp contrast to the complacency of global powers who could act but choose not to.
Why the Protection of Journalists in Gaza Matters Globally
Targeting journalists is an attack on everyone’s right to know the truth. Without reporters on the ground, war crimes can go unreported, humanitarian crises can be hidden, and public accountability collapses. The killing of Gaza’s journalists is not only a local tragedy—it is a global press freedom crisis.
Governments, media outlets, and advocacy groups must unite to protect journalists, demand independent investigations, and ensure that war crimes against the press are prosecuted. Silence and inaction will only embolden those who seek to erase inconvenient truths.
FAQs on Gaza Journalists and Press Freedom
Q1: Why are journalists in Gaza being targeted?
They are documenting the realities of war, including civilian casualties and humanitarian crises. This often contradicts official narratives, making them targets for those who wish to silence the truth.
Q2: What laws protect journalists in conflict zones?
The Geneva Conventions classify journalists as civilians, granting them full protection unless they take direct part in hostilities.
Q3: How many journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war started?
Over 192 journalists and media workers have been killed, the highest number ever recorded in a single conflict.
Q4: Why is the global response so muted compared to other conflicts?
Geopolitical alliances, double standards, and political considerations have limited strong international action against Israel’s targeting of journalists.
Q5: How can journalists in Gaza be better protected?
Governments can impose sanctions, halt arms sales, and support independent investigations. Media organizations can provide resources, safety equipment, and global platforms to amplify the voices of those at risk.