Ukrainian Journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna: A Legacy of Courage and Tragedy
April 8, 2025
Over 211 Journalists Killed in Gaza: Press Freedom Under Siege
April 8, 2025
April 08, 2025 – Palestine/Israel –
On April 7, 2025, an Israeli airstrike targeted a tent near the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killing two journalists and injuring several others. The tent, clearly marked and known to host media personnel, was engulfed in flames following the strike. Journalist Ahmed Mansour, a reporter for Palestine Today, suffered severe burns and succumbed to his injuries the following day. His death brought the total number of journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023 to at least 211, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.
The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted Hassan Eslaiah, alleging his involvement with Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks. Eslaiah was injured in the strike and later died from his wounds. However, press freedom organizations have condemned the attack, emphasizing the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones and calling for accountability.
The targeting of journalists has drawn international criticism, with human rights organizations urging for investigations into potential violations of international law and the protection of journalists in conflict areas. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has labeled the current conflict as the deadliest period for media workers since it began tracking journalist fatalities in 1992.
As the conflict continues, the international community faces mounting pressure to ensure the safety of journalists and to uphold the principles of press freedom and accountability in conflict zones. The deaths of Mansour and his colleagues underscore the extreme risks journalists face in Gaza and highlight the urgent need for stronger international safeguards for members of the media operating in conflict areas.
Reference –
