- The deadliest month for journalists has been caused by Israel’s military assault in Gaza, according to CPJ.
- In 2022, 42 journalists were killed worldwide, including 15 who were covering Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine.
- Israeli army border posts reportedly sustained damage as a result of Hezbollah attacks.
The deadliest month for journalists since records were kept more than thirty years ago has been caused by Israel’s military assault in Gaza, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). From Hamas’s heinous killing spree in Israel on October 7th, which resulted in a coordinated Israeli bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza, the CPJ has documented the deaths of 48 journalists.
In 2022, 42 journalists were killed worldwide, including 15 who were covering Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This figure pales in comparison to the spiraling death toll.
Deadliest conflict
In an urgent appeal, the CPJ has called on Israel and its Western allies to change the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rules of engagement to forbid the use of lethal force against journalists wearing press insignia.
Palestinians have been responsible for 90% of the deaths of journalists, most of whom were photojournalists and freelancers. Three journalists are still missing, and nine more have been injured. A “censorship regime” was implemented in Israel under emergency legislation, and thirteen people have been arrested as a result.
The somber statistics have led the CPJ to reiterate demands that Israel amend its rules of engagement to ensure that journalists who can be identified are protected, which were first made before the start of the most recent hostilities.
The request for precautionary measures comes in response to allegations made earlier this month by the Israeli media advocacy group HonestReporting that certain foreign media outlets were aware of Hamas’s planned attack on October 7 beforehand.
Near the border with Lebanon, new fighting broke out between Israel and Hezbollah. Attacks on Israeli army posts have resumed by the Lebanese militant group. Hezbollah released a video showing attacks on multiple Israeli army posts.
Israeli army border posts reportedly sustained damage as a result of Hezbollah attacks. Following the Burkan missile attacks on November 20, Hezbollah has launched more strikes against IDF posts.
According to the IDF, it has launched airstrikes on “about 250” locations in Gaza over the past day, designating them as “targets of the terrorist organization Hamas.”
