– Zaina Aman
22 Jun. 24: Israeli forces have recently killed another journalist in the Gaza Strip, marking the 152nd death of Palestinian media workers since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began last October. The victim, Salim Al-Sharafa, was a presenter and journalist for local broadcaster Al-Aqsa TV, as confirmed by Gaza’s Government Media Office.
Al-Aqsa TV expressed condolences, praying for mercy and solace for their fallen colleague and other affected families in the Palestinian media community. This incident follows the killing of Mahmoud Qasem, another Palestinian journalist, earlier announced by Gaza’s government media office.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), based in New York, has labeled this conflict in Gaza as “the deadliest for journalists” since it began documenting such incidents in 1992. Similarly, the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) highlighted unprecedented violence against journalists in Gaza in the past 30 years.
Despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, Israel continues its aggressive actions against Gaza, drawing international condemnation. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports a death toll of 37,431 Palestinians and 85,653 injuries since last October due to Israeli attacks.
Additionally, there have been numerous cases of violence, arrests, threats, and censorship against Palestinian journalists, according to media watchdogs. The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs in Gaza reports that Israeli forces currently detain 9,000 individuals, including 300 women, 635 children, and 80 journalists.
After eight months of conflict, much of Gaza lies in ruins amid severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies due to a blockade. Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered an immediate halt to military operations in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians sought refuge before the area was invaded on May 6.
