ALMOST one hundred journalists have been killed as a result of the Israel-Hamas war since October 7, according to new reports.
At least 96 journalists have been confirmed to have been killed whilst reporting on the conflict, which began more than 100 days ago.
The death toll figure (accurate as of January 15) includes at least 89 Palestinian journalists and four Israeli journalists killed as a result of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, as well as three Lebanese journalists. More journalists are reported to be injured or missing.
READ MORE: 'How far is he willing to go?' Rishi Sunak grilled on Yemen airstrikes
The most recent death was on January 15, as Yazan Al-Zuweidi, a photographer for Al Ghad TV, was killed.
Under international humanitarian law, the intentional targeting of journalists constitutes a war crime.
The full list of names of journalists killed can be found here and is constantly being updated as information is verified.
Many of the Palestinian journalists who have been killed died after Israeli airstrikes hit their homes, or whilst they were reporting on the ground in areas supposed to be protected by international law, including hospitals, refugee camps and schools.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) condemned the killings and continued attacks on journalists reporting on the conflict in Gaza.
The IFJ called for an immediate investigation into the deaths, adding that “no story is worth the life of a journalist”, as the organisation’s general secretary, Anthony Bellanger, condemned the targeting of journalists.
Bellanger said: “Media workers in areas of armed conflict must be treated and protected as civilians and allowed to perform their work without interference.
READ MORE: David Pratt - Diplomacy is nowhere to be seen as the 100th day of war passes
“The IFJ calls on all combatants in this conflict to do their utmost to safeguard journalists and media professionals.
“There is intense and deeply concerned interest in this conflict all round the world, but people will only be able to understand what is really going on if journalists are allowed to do their work.”
Nasser Abu Baker, PJS president, called on those who want to help journalists in Gaza continue their work to contribute to the IFJ’s International Safety Fund.
Baker added: “We are in desperate need to support our colleagues in Gaza, most of whom have lost their homes, many of whom have lost family.
“They need your solidarity and help to continue reporting on the atrocities endured day and night by the people of Gaza.”
The IFJ and its affiliates around the world previously called on Unesco to protect journalists and to demand the upholding of international law.
Since the attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7, which killed 1200 people, more than 24,000 people are estimated to have been killed in Palestine.
On Monday, the United Nations secretary-general António Guterres (below) reiterated calls for a ceasefire, as he expressed concern about the “unprecedented” level of civilian casualties and the “catastrophic” humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Guterres said: “Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond words. Nowhere and no one is safe.”
He called on the parties to respect international humanitarian law, “respect and protect civilians, and ensure their essential needs are met.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel