Gaza: Journalists’ Death Toll Reaches 225 Amid Ongoing Conflict

The number of journalists killed in Gaza since the start of the war in October 2023 has risen to 225, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the Gaza government’s media office.

The latest toll includes four media workers reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike near al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. The victims were said to be working for Arab satellite TV channels and had set up a tent near the hospital before the strike occurred.

“Since the beginning of the war of extermination against the Palestinian population, the number of killed journalists has increased to 225,” the statement said, describing the situation as “systematic crimes against Palestinian journalists and media workers”.

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have both condemned the killings and demanded an independent investigation into the incident. Tahseen al-Astal, deputy head of the PJS, confirmed the deaths and expressed deep concern over the targeting of media personnel.

This comes amid a renewed Israeli military offensive that began on March 18, following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire earlier that month. Israel cited Hamas’ refusal to accept a U.S.-brokered truce and hostage release plan as justification for resuming hostilities.

As the violence continues, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports that more than 4,400 Palestinians have been killed and over 13,400 injured since March 18 alone.

Further worsening the humanitarian crisis, Israel has reportedly blocked the entry of aid trucks and cut power to a critical desalination plant, severely limiting access to clean water and medical supplies.

International organizations and rights groups continue to raise alarms over the mounting civilian and media casualties, urging for greater protection for journalists and accountability for attacks on the press in conflict zones.