Israel-Gaza War: Threats and Attacks Against Women Journalists Covering the Conflict (Trigger Warning)

(the complete article is lengthy, horrifying, and important. )




Israel-Gaza War: Threats and Attacks Against Women Journalists Covering the Conflict (Trigger Warning)
11/15/2023 by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

Feminist journalism is essential to public discourse. It is essential to political debate. And it absolutely essential to free and fair democracy. Explore more at Feminist Journalism is Essential to Democracy—Ms. magazine’s latest installment of Women & Democracy, presented in partnership with the International Women’s Media Foundation.



A commemoration event for journalists who lost their lives as a result of the Israel-Gaza War at Foley Square in Manhattan on Nov. 6, 2023. (Fatih Aktas / Anadolu via Getty Images)
In the face of the growing threats and attacks against women journalists covering the war, it is imperative that we unite and take a stand for press freedom.

This article was originally published by The Coalition For Women In Journalism.

During the ongoing Israel-Gaza War, the fundamental principles of press freedom have come under dire threat. As the conflict unfolds, women journalists are facing grave dangers, including physical assaults, threats, and even the loss of their lives. This situation is not only a concern for those directly involved but is also a significant issue for the freedom of the press worldwide. Women journalists covering the conflict globally, particularly Muslim and Jewish journalists, have faced threats for commenting on the conflict on social media. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns attacks and threats against women journalists. Both sides of the conflict must respect press freedom and allow journalists to report without fearing for their safety. Deliberately targeting journalists on the frontlines is a war crime and must be thoroughly and independently investigated.

On Oct. 7, over 1,400 people were killed when Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, executed their most horrific attack on Israel to date. They breached the security fence around Gaza, which confines 2.3 million people, and carried out a deadly assault on numerous Israeli towns and kibbutzim. They also captured at least 200 hostages, taking them back to Gaza.

Israel’s responsive action was swift and overwhelming; they commenced their most extensive bombing campaign in the region, leading to the reported deaths of more than 10,000 Palestinians. The situation further intensified as Israel implemented a strict siege, depriving Gaza’s residents of food, water, electricity, and fuel.

Since the conflict’s inception, a chilling tally of 40 journalists have been confirmed dead, with others either missing, detained or grievously injured.

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