Israel’s War on Gaza Claims Lives of 252 Journalists

The number of journalists killed in Gaza since the beginning of Israel’s military offensive in October 2023 has risen to 252, following the death of journalist Mohammed Al-Daya, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office.

Al-Daya, who worked with the Palestinian Information Center, was confirmed killed in an Israeli attack, becoming the latest in a long list of media workers who have lost their lives while covering the war. His death adds to growing concerns over the targeting of journalists and media professionals in the besieged territory.

Gaza’s Government Media Office released a statement mourning Al-Daya and calling attention to the rising toll among local journalists, many of whom were killed while reporting from the ground under extremely dangerous and often indiscriminate bombardment. Advocacy groups and international organizations have repeatedly condemned attacks on journalists, urging investigations into what some are calling war crimes against the press.

Since the war began nearly a year ago, Gaza has become one of the deadliest places in the world for journalists, with international press freedom organizations warning that the deliberate targeting of media workers may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. The overwhelming majority of the journalists killed were Palestinians reporting from the front lines.