A leading Palestinian media union has called for urgent international intervention to stop what it describes as the systematic killing and targeting of journalists by Israeli forces in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Marking World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate released a statement condemning Israel’s treatment of journalists as part of what it described as “media genocide.” The group said at least 210 Palestinian journalists have been killed over the past 17 months, with hundreds more wounded or mourning lost relatives.
The organization also reported that media offices have been destroyed and journalists in the West Bank are routinely harassed, detained, or assaulted. According to their figures, 177 journalists have been arrested since the outbreak of war in October 2023, and 55 remain behind bars.
The syndicate’s statement urged global media watchdogs and human rights bodies to act swiftly. It called for the immediate release of detained journalists and accountability for those responsible for targeting the press.
While countries around the world recognized World Press Freedom Day by reaffirming their commitment to media independence, the syndicate said journalists in Palestine faced one of the most dangerous environments on the planet. They noted that this year has seen a dramatic spike in journalist deaths, particularly in Gaza, making it the deadliest conflict zone for media workers in recent history.
The Israeli army launched its renewed assault on Gaza on March 18, ending a brief ceasefire and resuming operations against Hamas. Since October, over 52,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have died in Israeli strikes, according to Palestinian health officials.
Media freedom advocates worldwide have raised concerns about the rising toll on journalists. Several international groups have called for investigations into whether media workers are being deliberately targeted.
The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate concluded its statement by calling for solidarity from journalists and press organizations across the globe, urging them to raise their voices in defense of their colleagues working under siege.
As the war in Gaza continues, pressure is mounting on international institutions to ensure the safety of journalists and uphold the principles of free and independent reporting.