The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has reported a troubling surge in violence and repression against journalists globally, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank.
As Israel’s deadly aggression extends into another year, press freedom remains under siege.
On Dec. 26, Israeli forces killed five journalists and media workers affiliated with Al-Quds Al-Youm TV in a targeted strike on their vehicle outside Al-Awda Hospital in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp.
The van, marked with visible press insignia, was reportedly hit in an area with significant civilian presence.
The attack is part of a grim trend, with at least nine journalists killed in a two-week span during the ongoing conflict.
Since the beginning of the conflict, CPJ data indicates that 160 journalists and media workers have lost their lives in Gaza, highlighting the war’s devastating impact on press freedom and the risks faced by journalists in conflict zones.
On Jan. 1, the Palestinian Authority (PA) suspended Al Jazeera’s operations in the West Bank, accusing the network of broadcasting “inciting material.”
The decision follows the broadcaster’s coverage of a recent standoff in Jenin between Palestinian security forces and militant groups.
“Governments resort to censoring news outlets when they have something to hide. The Palestinian Authority should reverse its decision to suspend Al Jazeera’s operations and allow journalists to report freely without fear of reprisal,” said CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg.
This is not the first action taken against Al Jazeera in the region. In September 2024, Israeli authorities raided the broadcaster’s Ramallah office and ordered its closure for 45 days, citing accusations of “incitement to and support of terrorism.”
Earlier, in May 2024, Israel banned Al Jazeera’s operations within its territory, citing national security concerns.
The targeting of journalists extends beyond the Middle East. CPJ highlighted several alarming cases in its latest report:
- In Algeria, journalist Abdelwakil Blamm was arrested amid growing crackdowns on media professionals.
- Al-Qaeda executed Yemeni journalist Abdel Hakim Al-Aqil after nine years of enforced disappearance.
- Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was detained in Iran but later released.
- Two journalists were killed, and seven others injured in a brutal attack at a hospital in Haiti.
- A Sri Lankan journalist narrowly escaped an attempted abduction after reporting on organized crime.
CPJ has urged governments and authorities worldwide to respect press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists.
In a statement, CPJ said: “The persecution of journalists anywhere is an affront to democracy and human rights everywhere.”
The organization highlighted recent incidents of violence and repression, calling for international advocacy to protect journalists and support press freedom.
