NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2023 –The Overseas Press Club of America expresses its shock and outrage at the deaths of journalists covering the Israel-Hamas War.
As of Jan. 14, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) – which is investigating reports of journalists and media workers killed, injured or missing in the war – reports that at least 82 journalists and media workers have been killed since the war began Oct. 7, including 75 Palestinian, 4 Israeli, and 3 Lebanese. This led to the deadliest month for journalists since CPJ began keeping such data in 1992.
Journalists doing their job reporting on the war not only face violence, detention, threats and intimidation, they face disrupted communications and supply shortages. They deserve our respect and support. We urge all authorities and governments involved to take steps to protect journalists and allow them reasonable access and freedom to cover the war. We condemn any attempts to harass them or stop them from reporting, broadcasting or transmitting their reportage, and attempts to disrupt them interviewing people on the ground.
The OPC also condemns the rise in hateful attacks on journalists – with particular targets being Israeli, Palestinian, Muslim and Jewish journalists – both online and in person, especially threats against them, since the start of the Israel-Hamas War. Authorities and online platforms should seriously investigate such hate speech and threats, and ensure all journalists are protected.
Journalism is not a crime. The OPC stands up for journalists covering the war in Gaza and reporting and analyzing it anywhere in the world to be free to do their jobs without fear of retribution, threats or violence.
OPC Press Freedom Committee
(Updated on Jan. 14, 2025)