The Government Media Office in Gaza has reported a significant increase in the number of journalists killed since October 7, with the death toll now standing at 143. The latest casualty was photojournalist Bahaa Okasha, who was working for the Al-Aqsa network. Okasha lost his life in an airstrike that hit his family's house in the Jabalya camp, according to the media office.
This recent period has been marked as the deadliest for journalists since 1992, as per data collected by the Committee to Protect Journalists. The organization has documented the deaths of at least 97 journalists and media workers in Gaza since October, with 92 of them being Palestinian.
Journalists in Gaza face immense risks as they strive to report on the ongoing events. Many have been compelled to leave their homes hastily, often without proper equipment or protective gear, resorting to using their phones to capture and document the situation. Some journalists have to seek higher ground to upload their footage, attempting to navigate around power outages and communication disruptions caused by the persistent Israeli shelling.
Displaced reporters are operating from makeshift tents, putting themselves at risk of Israeli strikes. The challenging conditions and constant threat to their safety underscore the dedication and bravery exhibited by journalists in Gaza as they continue to fulfill their vital role in reporting on the unfolding events.
