In the midst of Israel’s ongoing military offensive on Gaza, Palestine has tragically become the most dangerous place in the world for journalists. Media watchdogs, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have reported that nearly 200 journalists have been killed in the first 18 months of the conflict, with at least 42 confirmed to have died while actively reporting. RSF, in its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, emphasized the dire conditions faced by journalists in Gaza—trapped in a besieged enclave without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. The report also highlights the growing repression in the occupied West Bank, where journalists face regular harassment, assaults, and arrests by Israeli forces and settlers.

Ajith Sunghay, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights’ representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, described the killing of journalists in Gaza as potentially deliberate, raising serious concerns about war crimes. Speaking to Anadolu Agency on World Press Freedom Day, Sunghay disclosed that over 210 Palestinian journalists have been killed since October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. He called for thorough investigations and accountability, stressing that the lack of justice and impunity in these killings reflects a grave disregard for international humanitarian law. The possibility of intentional targeting underscores the severity of the situation and the systemic risks journalists face in conflict zones.

Sunghay also called upon third-party nations to fulfill their obligations under the Geneva Convention, urging them to push for an immediate ceasefire. He stated that international pressure and intervention are vital not only for protecting journalists but also for safeguarding the lives of countless civilians. Gaza, he noted, is now one of the most perilous places on earth for media professionals, both in terms of casualties and psychological toll, making it a dark chapter in the global state of press freedom.