TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Thursday, August 14, 2025, US President Donald Trump called for international journalists to be allowed into Gaza to report on the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Since the conflict began in October 2023, Israel has largely blocked foreign media, only permitting access under strict military escort, according to Anadolu.
His remarks underline a push for greater global reporting in Gaza despite the conflict’s dangers and political complexities.
How Many Journalists Have Died in Gaza?
Ongoing Israeli attacks have made Gaza the deadliest place in the world for journalists, with nearly 270 media personnel killed since October 2023.
According to The New Arab, this number surpasses journalist casualties in historical conflicts like the American Civil War, World War I, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Bosnia combined. Press freedom advocates say the high death toll reflects both the intensity of Israeli attacks and an alleged disregard for international humanitarian law protections.
Reporters Without Borders reported 2024 as the deadliest year for journalists worldwide, with over 120 killed.
More than 50 journalists were killed in Gaza in 2025 alone. Among the recent victims were four Al Jazeera journalists killed in an attack on a media tent outside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City: correspondent Anas al-Sharif (28), reporter Mohammed Qreiqeh (33), and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher (25) and Mohammed Noufal (29).
Al Jazeera has endured heavy losses throughout the conflict. In December 2023, cameraman Samer Abudaqa was seriously injured in Khan Younis while filming with bureau chief Wael Dahdouh. In January 2024, Dahdouh’s eldest son, journalist Hamza Dahdouh, was killed in a rocket attack.
Other casualties include video journalist Ismail al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami al-Rifi in July 2024, video journalist Ahmed al-Louh in December 2024, and reporter Hossam Shabat in March 2025.
Why Does Israel Ban Journalists from Entering Gaza?
Israel largely restricts international journalists from entering Gaza independently, allowing access only under military supervision with strict controls. Critics argue that these measures limit independent reporting and suppress the media.
Israeli authorities cite security concerns and journalist safety during military operations, but opponents say the restrictions block independent oversight and accountability, making reports that contradict Israel’s narrative difficult to produce.
How Does Israel Make Gaza a "Graveyard" for Journalists?
Reporting from Gaza is extremely dangerous as journalists must work near military targets, hospitals, and refugee camps often hit by attacks. Many have been killed while clearly identified as journalists or seeking shelter in marked media locations.
The killing of Anas al-Sharif, who documented Gaza’s destruction daily, drew international condemnation, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for journalist protection under international law.
International legal experts stress that journalists are civilians under the Geneva Conventions and deserve special protection. Israel’s repeated attacks on press tents, offices, and clearly marked vehicles may violate these laws and could constitute war crimes.
Despite calls for investigations, no independent inquiries have been conducted, and Israel denies targeting journalists intentionally.
What is the Pattern of Targeting Journalists by Israel?
Al Jazeera reports that Israel has systematically targeted media workers and infrastructure in Gaza. Researchers have documented at least 31 credible cases where journalists were specifically targeted because of their profession.
While Israeli authorities sometimes accuse these journalists of militant ties, evidence often shows they were performing legitimate journalistic duties.
Israeli attacks have destroyed multi-story buildings housing dozens of media organizations, effectively silencing many news outlets. Numerous radio stations have also ceased operations.
A notable case occurred in April 2025 when an Israeli airstrike hit a journalist tent outside a hospital in Khan Younis, killing several journalists despite claims that some were involved in militant activities.
What Are the Impacts of Targeting Journalists?
Experts and press freedom advocates warn that targeting journalists, destroying media facilities, restricting foreign access, and preventing Palestinian journalists from returning reflects a strategy to control information and suppress independent reporting.
This has created a chilling effect, where journalists fear to film or report openly, allowing the Israeli military to control news coverage and limit scrutiny of its operations.
Editor’s Choice: Israel's Killing of Journalists in Gaza Rings Alarm on Press Freedom
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