The statistics released by Reporters Without Borders about the number of journalists killed while performing their duties worldwide in 2023 sparked controversy, especially as it coincides with the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which has claimed the lives of numerous Palestinian journalists.
Some users pointed out that the figure of 45 announced by the organization is lower than the actual number of journalists killed in the Gaza Strip.
What is the Significance of the Number 45 Announced by Reporters Without Borders? And How Many Journalists Were Killed in Gaza According to Professional Organizations?
According to the annual report released by Reporters Without Borders on December 14, the number of journalists killed while performing their professional duties, as of the beginning of this December, reached 45 journalists. This figure does not encompass all journalists killed during the same year, as it does not include journalists killed outside their work environment or those for whom the organization has not established a direct link between their death and their work.
The organization clarified that it "collects detailed information that allows it to be reasonably confident that the arrest, abduction, disappearance, or death of each journalist was a direct result of their journalistic work." This explanation might explain statistical differences with other organizations.
Reporters Without Borders stated that despite the situation in the Middle East, the number (45) is 16 less than the previous year (61), marking the lowest figure recorded since 2002 for journalists killed while performing their duties (33).
The organization clarified that 23 journalists were killed in conflict zones in general, with 17 of them losing their lives during the war in Gaza following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood including 13 Palestinians.
It was highlighted that a total of 63 journalists lost their lives during this conflict, with 56 in Gaza, encompassing journalists killed without a clear connection to their profession. It affirmed that for the first time in five years, more journalists were killed in conflict zones compared to peaceful areas.
The gradual decline in deaths while on duty over the past five years was attributed in part to increased security measures for journalists and the end of deadly conflicts in Iraq and Syria, where nearly 600 journalists were killed between 2003 and 2022 while performing their duties. During peacetime, "strengthening legal protection measures for journalistic work, as well as mechanisms to combat impunity, highlights less fatal outcomes," according to the organization.
72 Percent of Journalists Killed in 2023 Were in Gaza
On its part, the International Federation of Journalists recorded that 97 journalists and media workers were killed in the year 2023, up to December 14.
In its report released ahead of Human Rights Day on December 10, the International Federation highlighted that the conflict in Gaza had been the deadliest for journalists since it began, recording journalists' deaths while performing their duties since 1990.
The Federation documented the deaths of 68 journalists since Hamas's attack on October 7, marking the beginning of the Israeli aggression in Gaza. They emphasized that "this year, 72% of journalists killed worldwide lost their lives in the conflict in Gaza."
Additionally, the Federation noted the presence of 393 journalists and media workers imprisoned worldwide.
As of December 13, the Federation confirmed the deaths of 64 Palestinian journalists since October 7, along with three Lebanese journalists on October 13 and November 21, killed by Israeli gunfire while reporting on the border between the two countries.
The Committee to Protect Journalists Confirms the Deaths of 56 Palestinian Journalists
The Committee to Protect Journalists is investigating all reports related to the killing, injury, or disappearance of journalists and media workers during the Gaza war, which it considers the deadliest since it began collecting data in 1992.
As of December 14, preliminary investigations by the Committee revealed that at least 63 journalists and media workers have been killed since last October. This includes 56 Palestinians, four Israelis, and three Lebanese. Additionally, 11 journalists were reported injured, three are missing, and 19 have been arrested. There were also multiple assaults, threats, cyber-attacks, surveillance, and killings of family members reported.
The committee is also investigating numerous unconfirmed reports regarding the killing, disappearance, detention, injury, or threats against journalists. They are also looking into the damage caused to media offices and journalists' residences.
In its statement released on December 14, the committee clarified that the published list is based on information obtained from its sources in the region and from media reports. It includes all journalists involved in news gathering activities. The committee noted that it's unclear whether all these journalists were covering the conflict at the time of their deaths. They are actively working to regularly update the list.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate Announces the Death of 75 Palestinian Journalists
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate reported hundreds of serious crimes and violations against journalists and media outlets in the West Bank and Gaza Strip since the start of the war on the Strip on October 7. On December 7, it announced the deaths of 75 journalists and media workers, two missing individuals, and around 80 journalists injured.
The union also stated that the occupation bombed the homes of 60 journalists' families, destroyed the headquarters of 63 institutions and media offices, disrupted the operations of 25 local radio stations (24 in Gaza and one in the West Bank). Additionally, it said the occupation has caused the closure and limitations on three media outlets, arresting 43 journalists, 41 in the West Bank, and 2 in Gaza, with 30 remaining under arrest, most of whom have been placed in administrative detention.
In an updated count, as of December 13, the Gaza government's media office announced via its Telegram account that the number of journalists who lost their lives in the war on Gaza reached 89.
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