Death of Journalist in Gaza Raises Press Casualty Toll to 239

Death of Journalist in Gaza Raises Press Casualty Toll to 239
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The government media office in Gaza announced Tuesday that the number of journalists killed in the enclave since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, has reached 239. The updated toll follows the death of journalist Islam al-Koumi, who worked as an editor and content creator for several media outlets.

In a statement, the media office condemned what it described as the systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists. It called on the International Federation of Journalists, the Arab Journalists Union, and global media organizations to denounce the killings and take urgent action to protect their colleagues in Gaza.

The office also held Israeli authorities, along with the United States and European allies such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, responsible for ongoing violations. It urged international bodies to pressure Israel to halt attacks on journalists and to pursue accountability through international courts.

Rights groups have long warned that Gaza is one of the most dangerous places in the world for media workers. Reporters Without Borders has documented widespread violations against journalists in the Palestinian territories, while the United Nations and the International Criminal Court recognize that deliberate targeting of journalists may constitute a war crime under international law.