Gaza:The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has reported that over the past three years, hundreds of journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza, with Israel carrying out these actions with what the IFJ describes as total impunity. This period is considered the deadliest in the history of journalism, with dozens more injured and some still missing.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the IFJ has urged journalists' unions and associations worldwide to advocate for their governments to allow Gazan journalists to receive medical treatment abroad. The organization highlighted the dire situation three years after what it termed Israel's genocidal aggression began, citing official medical sources that over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed. Additionally, more than 2.1 million people have been displaced, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis, as reported by UNRWA. A recent UN assessment noted a 10% increase in the destruction of buildings in Gaza since a truce in October 2025.
The IFJ has demanded the Israeli government facilitate humanitarian evacuations and grant foreign reporters independent access to Gaza. It underscored the urgent medical needs of journalists, such as photojournalist Mohammed Fayeq Abu Mustafa, who has been paralyzed following an attack and requires evacuation for medical treatment. The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate (PJS) has documented numerous cases highlighting the need for specialized medical care and evacuation.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger emphasized the importance of international solidarity, urging journalist organizations to pressure governments to allow medical treatment abroad for injured Gazan journalists. He stressed the need for immediate action to assist those in need.
The IFJ, in collaboration with the PJS, is gathering evidence to hold the Israeli military accountable for targeting journalists, which the IFJ defines as a war crime. They are preparing to lodge a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The IFJ has also noted that since October 2023, Israeli authorities have restricted independent journalistic access to Gaza.
In support of Gazan journalists, the IFJ, along with its affiliates and press freedom organizations, continues to call for the lifting of the media blockade. They have shown solidarity through the IFJ's International Safety Fund and by organizing rallies and fundraising events, with the National Writers Union recently donating $3,000 to the PJS.
To support journalists, the IFJ and PJS have established Media Solidarity Centers in Gaza, providing a safe working environment with resources such as internet and electricity. These centers, established with support from international unions and UNESCO, face the threat of closure due to reduced donations, which would significantly impact the journalism community in Gaza.