Israel-Hamas Conflict is Deadliest for Modern Journalism

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Israel–Hamas war has made a historic impact on media. Following recent events like the assault that killed four Al Jazeera staff in Gaza on 10th August 2025, this article examines why Gaza has become the most hazardous mission in modern journalism, how both Palestinian and Israeli governments restrict reporting, and what institutional safeguard is absent. It further addresses how accusations regarding journalists’ loyalties become increasingly politicised and how reporting by Al Jazeera has become controversial.

From left: Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Noufal, Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Qreiqeh [Image Credit: Al Jazeera]

A war that Engulfs Eye-Witnesses

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References

  • Committee to Protect Journalists (2025), “2024 is deadliest year for journalists in CPJ history; almost 70% killed by Israel.” [Committee to Protect Journalists]
  • CPJ (2025), “Deadliest year on record for journalists; 70% killed by Israel.” [Committee to Protect Journalists]
  • Al Jazeera (Aug. 10–12, 2025), reports on deaths of Anas al-Sharif and colleagues near al-Shifa Hospital. [Al Jazeera]
  • Los Angeles Times (Aug. 11, 2025), “Prominent Al Jazeera journalist among several killed in Israeli strike on Gaza press tent.” [Los Angeles Times]
  • PBS NewsHour (Aug. 11, 2025), segment on strike and Israeli claims of Hamas affiliation. [PBS]
  • Times of Israel (Aug. 12, 2025), coverage of IDF allegation that al-Sharif received a Hamas salary. [The Times of Israel]
  • Media Freedom Coalition (Aug. 2025), joint statement urging Israel to allow independent media access and protect journalists. [Media Freedom Coalition]
  • Foreign Press Association / coverage of access restrictions and court rulings on Gaza access. [The Times of Israel]
  • ARTICLE 19 (Jan. 9, 2025), statement condemning the Palestinian Authority’s ban on Al Jazeera. [ARTICLE 19]
  • Reporters Without Borders (Mar. 20, 2025), “Crackdown against journalists intensifies in West Bank and East Jerusalem.” [Reporters Without Borders]
  • Israel | RSF country profile (press freedom framework & military censorship). [Reporters Without Borders]
  • IPI (July 18, 2024), call to protect journalists in Gaza and allow access. [IPI Media]
  • Reuters (2018–2024), reporting on Qatari funding mechanisms to Gaza and Doha’s mediation role. [Reuters].
  • Washington Post.

All the views and opinions expressed are those the author. Image Credit: The Viyug.

About the Author

Jaiee Ashtekar holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Mumbai. She holds a post-graduate diploma in international relations from the University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom (UK). She has done projects titled “Kashmir through Political Perception” and “Water issues between India and Pakistan.”

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