Palestinian International Organization for Peace and Human Rights

May 3, 2025

What happened?

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2025, human rights reports reviewed the widespread risks faced by journalists in Gaza during coverage and within their places of residence.

Impact of the incident on civilians

The loss of media personnel, equipment, and communications reduces the possibility of independent verification of events and access to information for the public.

Freedom of the press and protection of journalists

Civilian journalists enjoy the protection afforded to civilians unless they directly participate in hostilities. The practice of journalism itself does not constitute participation in combat, and every lethal attack warrants independent fact-checking.

What is needed to protect the population?

These developments necessitate close monitoring of the facts related to the topic of “World Press Freedom Day brings renewed focus to the safety of journalists in Gaza,” making information available to affected families, providing treatment, relief or redress depending on the nature of the harm, and distinguishing between established information and legal characterization that requires a specialized investigation.

Image: Illustrative archive image that does not necessarily depict the incident described in the article. Image data, photographer, and license on Wikimedia Commons