UN Rapporteur Calls Gaza Conflict Deadliest for Journalists

UN Rapporteur Calls Gaza Conflict Deadliest for Journalists
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UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan has condemned the Israeli military for deliberately targeting journalists in Gaza, describing the conflict as the deadliest ever for media workers. Speaking in Geneva, Khan cited United Nations figures showing at least 252 Palestinian journalists killed since October 7, 2023. She warned that the number is likely to rise as reports of journalist casualties continue weekly.

Khan emphasized that journalists are being specifically targeted to suppress coverage of alleged atrocities, calling it an unprecedented attempt to “kill the news” rather than just the reporters themselves. She also criticized Israel for blocking international journalists from entering Gaza, calling the restriction “highly unusual” and a severe threat to press freedom.

Highlighting the scale of the crisis, Khan noted that more journalists have died in Gaza than in previous global conflicts, including the World Wars. She urged immediate international action to protect journalists and ensure independent reporting from the region.