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July 09, 2025 – Jordan –
As violence in Gaza escalates and press freedom in Jordan faces renewed scrutiny, two developments this week shed light on the ongoing human toll and the risks facing journalists in the region.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, Israeli airstrikes over the past 24 hours killed at least 105 Palestinians and injured 530 more, pushing the overall death toll since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, to a staggering 57,680. The total number of wounded now stands at 137,409. Since March 18, 2025, alone, over 7,100 people have been killed, with more than 25,000 injured. Among the latest casualties were seven civilians killed while waiting for humanitarian aid, and 57 others injured in similar conditions, bringing aid-related deaths to 773 and injuries to over 5,100. These figures underscore the devastating human cost of the prolonged war and the increasing danger even for civilians seeking essential relief.
While Gaza reels under bombardment, Jordanian authorities are grappling with a serious attack on press freedom. On July 9, the Public Security Directorate (PSD) confirmed that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the recent assault on journalist Fares Habashneh. The PSD stated that the vehicle used in the attack was located and impounded as part of their investigation, which remains ongoing. Authorities are pursuing additional suspects and pledged to refer the case to the judiciary once all circumstances are clarified.
The attack on Habashneh sparked public concern about the safety of journalists in Jordan, a country that has long portrayed itself as a stable haven in the region. Press freedom advocates have called for transparent accountability and legal safeguards to ensure such acts of violence do not go unpunished.
Together, these events reflect both the acute crisis unfolding in Gaza and the simmering threats to journalistic integrity and safety in neighboring states. As civilian casualties rise and journalists face intimidation or violence, the urgency of protecting human life and freedom of expression grows more critical by the day.
Reference –
https://petra.gov.jo/Include/InnerPage.jsp?ID=73399&lang=en&name=en_news
