Media freedom and journalist safety in Occupied Palestine: A critical overview

Journalists working in Occupied Palestine face an extraordinary level of risk. Over the past two years, incidents of violence against media workers, deliberate targeting, and oppressive policies have significantly eroded press freedoms. This article explores the dangerous realities for journalists, focusing on recent fatalities, the ban on Al Jazeera, and the broader implications for media freedom.

Journalists as targets: A troubling pattern

The targeting of journalists in Occupied Palestine has escalated alarmingly, with several high-profile cases capturing international attention. Among the most notable is the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, an Al Jazeera journalist who was fatally shot by Israeli forces on 11 May 2022 while covering an Israeli military raid in Jenin. Witnesses and investigations suggest she was deliberately targeted despite wearing a press vest. Her death sparked global outrage and calls for accountability.

In another tragic case, Mohammad Hijazi, a photojournalist for Gaza-based outlets, was killed during an Israeli airstrike in Rafah on 10 October 2023. Hijazi was documenting civilian casualties when the attack occurred, underlining the grave risks journalists face simply for doing their job.

Recent months have seen a sharp rise in fatalities among journalists. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), since October 2023, at least 145 Palestinian journalists have been killed, many in direct connection to their work. These deaths reflect not only the dangers inherent in reporting from conflict zones but also a deliberate attempt to silence journalistic voices documenting war crimes in Palestine.

Israel’s ban on Al Jazeera: A blow to press freedom

In May 2024, Israel’s government took the extraordinary step of banning Al Jazeera, accusing the network of incitement and posing a threat to national security. This action led to the closure of Al Jazeera’s offices and the prohibition of its broadcasts across Israel.

The move was condemned by international press organisations, with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) labelling it a “severe attack on media freedom.” Many see the ban as part of a broader strategy to control the narrative and limit independent reporting on Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

Al Jazeera, which has long provided a critical perspective on the occupation, described the ban as an attempt to stifle free speech and suppress accountability.

Alarming trends and the international response

The killing of journalists and restrictions on media outlets are clear violations of international law. Targeting reporters, especially those visibly marked as press, contravenes the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilians, including journalists, in conflict zones. Organisations such as Reporters Without Borders and Human Rights Watch have called for independent investigations into these incidents and stronger international mechanisms to hold violators accountable.

Efforts to address these issues remain hindered by a lack of political will from powerful nations. Meanwhile, the risks for journalists in the region continue to grow, with fatal consequences for those daring to document the truth.

The call to action

The crisis demands urgent attention and action. Advocacy for media freedom is essential to ensure that journalists can operate without fear of violence or suppression. You can make a difference by:

• Writing to your MP, urging them to support international investigations into violations against journalists.
• Supporting organisations that advocate for press freedom, such as Reporters Without Borders.
• Amplifying the stories of journalists and the challenges they face on social media to raise awareness.
• Share this special feature by Al Jazeera, documenting the killing of Palestinian journalists in Gaza by Israeli forces.

Media freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and justice. In Occupied Palestine, defending this freedom is not just about protecting journalists—it is about preserving the right to truth and accountability.