Assad’s Regime Under Scrutiny for Journalist Killings in Syria
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The Gaza Killings That Shattered Journalism’s Frontline
December 12, 2024
December 12, 2024 – Palestine/Israel –
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) cautions that 2024 marked a devastating surge in journalist fatalities, with 54 journalists killed globally—the highest annual figure seen in five years. Disturbingly, one-third of these deaths—18 reporters—were caused by Israeli military operations: 16 in Gaza and two in Lebanon.
RSF’s data emphasize the intensity of the threat to media professionals in conflict zones. It states that over 145 journalists have died in Gaza since October 2023, at least 35 deliberately targeted while working. RSF highlights that many of those killed wore identifiable press gear—their targets should have been protected under international law—but were nonetheless struck.
These figures reflect a deeply troubling trend. RSF has lodged four war‑crime complaints against Israel at the International Criminal Court, citing “compelling evidence” that scores of journalists were intentionally targeted. Thibaut Bruttin, RSF’s Director‑General, condemns the killings—especially when journalists have visible credentials—as clear violations of global protections for the press.
Beyond fatalities, RSF’s report underscores broader threats: 550 journalists were detained, 55 taken hostage, and 95 reported missing in 2024. Israel ranks among the top jailers of journalists, alongside authoritarian regimes.
Gaza stands out as the world’s most dangerous zone for journalists. RSF, in collaboration with over 135 NGOs, is demanding that Israel lift its near‑total media ban on Gaza—a blockade that’s cut off independent reporting and left local journalists as the sole eyewitnesses.
To summarize: RSF confirms that Israeli forces were responsible for approximately one-third of journalist deaths in 2024. The pattern of deliberate targeting, documented fatalities, and formal complaints all point to a rupture of press protections in Gaza and Lebanon. With Gaza now among the deadliest regions for journalists globally, international intervention to safeguard media workers and uphold legal accountability is urgently needed.
Reference –
Israel killed one-third of all journalists who ‘died unnaturally’ this year
