The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported on Feb. 9 that at least 85 journalists and media workers have been killed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7. The total includes 78 Palestinian, four Israeli, and three Lebanese journalists. According to the CPJ, the majority of the Palestinian journalists died during Israeli bombardments, while the Israeli journalists were killed during the initial Hamas attacks.
The report highlights specific incidents, including the death of Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah in southern Lebanon in October and a January drone strike that killed Al Jazeera camera operator Hamza Al Dahdouh and freelancer Mustafa Thuraya. Regarding the January strike, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated to the BBC that their aircraft was targeting individuals identified as terrorists. The CPJ has called for an independent investigation to determine if the journalists were specifically targeted.
Press freedom organizations, including the CPJ and the National Press Club, have issued statements reminding combatants that journalists are classified as civilians under international humanitarian law. These groups have urged all parties to the conflict to take measures to ensure the safety of media members. The CPJ noted that journalists in Gaza face additional risks due to ground operations, airstrikes, and communications disruptions.