Committee to Protect Journalists joins calls for immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war

The Israel-Gaza conflict continues to exact a devastating toll on civilians—including journalists.

More than 4,000 people have died on both sides since October 7, including hundreds killed in the October 17 hospital blast in Gaza, and the conflict has widened to neighboring Lebanon.

As of October 19, Committee to Protect Journalists has documented at least 21 journalists killed in the conflict, most of them Palestinian. We are investigating numerous unconfirmed reports of other journalists being killed, missing, detained, hurt, or threatened, and of damage to media offices and journalists’ homes; as well as Israeli officials’ threats to censor media coverage of the conflict.

Journalists in Gaza face particularly high risks as they try to report in the face of Israeli airstrikes and military maneuvers, disrupted communications, and extensive power outages.

On Wednesday, CPJ joined over 200 organizations in calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to prevent further harm to civilians.

During any conflict, journalists and media workers are civilians under international humanitarian law. Facilities and equipment utilized for reporting and disseminating news are also civilian structures.

They must be respected and protected—journalists should never be a target.

Join our calls on social media: Share CPJ’s #NotATarget campaign on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Journalist safety resources: Review CPJ’s advice for journalists covering conflict, protests, and civil unrest; and ensuring your psychological safety while covering the situation.

Committee to Protect Journalists

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Journalist casualties in the Israel-Gaza conflict