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March 09, 2025 – Palestine/Israel –
During the recent conflict in Gaza, Israeli forces killed 24 Palestinian female journalists, marking a devastating blow to media workers in the region. According to the Government Media Office in Gaza, these deaths occurred amid intense military operations, highlighting the extreme risks journalists face in war zones.
One of the notable victims was Ola Al Dahdouh, a Palestinian journalist killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted her husband’s family home in Gaza City. This incident, among others, has drawn international condemnation, with the United Nations describing the Gaza conflict as one of the deadliest and most perilous for journalists in recent history.
The impact on Palestinian women goes beyond these tragic losses. Reports indicate that women and children comprise roughly 70% of the nearly 40,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict escalated in October 2023. Alongside the direct fatalities, many women have been subjected to displacement, gender-based violence, and restricted access to essential services, deepening their vulnerability in the ongoing crisis.
Human rights organizations and media watchdogs have urged for stronger protections and accountability. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that Israel has one of the highest numbers of journalist deaths worldwide, with Gaza accounting for almost 70% of journalist fatalities in 2024 alone. These statistics underscore a dangerous environment where journalists, especially women, are increasingly targeted.
The killings expose the urgent need for international mechanisms dedicated to safeguarding journalists working in conflict zones. Female journalists face compounded risks due to their gender, including harassment and systemic discrimination, both during and outside active conflicts. Their vital role in reporting from the frontlines makes their safety a pressing concern for global media freedom and human rights.
In summary, the loss of 24 female Palestinian journalists amid the Gaza conflict is a stark reminder of the perils media workers face. It calls for concerted international action to protect journalists, uphold press freedom, and ensure justice for those harmed in the line of duty.
Reference –
‘Stain on Humanity’: Palestinian Women Endure Unprecedented Israeli Violence
