Nearly 200 Journalists Killed in Gaza in 2024, ICC Action Urged

January 19, 2025 – Palestine/Israel – 

According to the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate, 193 journalists were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza throughout 2024, marking one of the deadliest years for media workers in modern history. The figure was echoed by several media watchdogs, including Al Mayadeen, which cited 194 fatalities, along with at least 86 injuries and 64 arrests of journalists by Israeli forces. In addition to human losses, 54 media offices were reportedly bombed or destroyed.

Many of the slain journalists were Palestinian reporters working in Gaza under extremely dangerous conditions, often without protective equipment or access to safe zones. Eyewitnesses and video footage in several cases showed targeted strikes on press-marked vehicles and buildings, raising serious questions about intent and adherence to international humanitarian law.

In response to this staggering toll, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has formally requested that Palestinian journalists be granted victim status before the International Criminal Court (ICC). This designation would allow them to participate directly in legal proceedings, submit testimonies, and seek reparations, not merely act as passive witnesses. RSF has already filed four war crimes complaints to the ICC concerning journalist deaths in Gaza since October 2023.

RSF emphasized that the recognition of journalists as victims would mark a historic legal precedent, sending a clear message that the targeting of media workers will not go unpunished. It would also acknowledge the essential role journalists play as civilian actors in conflict zones, protected under international law.

The push for ICC engagement follows global outrage over the high number of casualties among media professionals in Gaza and the lack of accountability. Media rights advocates argue that international silence or inaction enables the continued targeting of journalists in conflict.

Bottom line: With nearly 200 journalists killed in 2024, Gaza has become a graveyard for press freedom. RSF’s call for ICC recognition seeks not only justice for the victims but also a global reaffirmation that journalism is not a crime—and that those who target reporters must be held to account.

Reference – 

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/-israel–killed-194-journalists-in-gaza-in-2024

https://www.newarab.com/news/193-journalists-killed-israeli-forces-gaza-oct-2023

https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/153653