In one of the deadliest conflicts for journalists in recent history, at least 63 journalists and media workers have lost their lives during the ongoing Gaza war, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. This staggering number of fatalities surpasses the total number of journalists killed during the entire two-decade Vietnam War. The majority of those killed were Palestinians in Gaza, with dozens more Palestinian journalists reported injured, missing, or arrested.

The devastation of the conflict extends beyond journalists themselves. Tragically, family members of journalists, including the relatives of Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief and a CNN producer, have also lost their lives in the bombardment. Moreover, more than 50 media outlets in Gaza have been targeted, further raising concerns about the safety of journalists on the ground.

Throughout the war, journalists have faced numerous challenges, including assaults, threats, censorship, and communication disruptions. Israel has stated that it cannot guarantee journalists' safety in Gaza and has denied them access to the region, except for those working for organizations embedded with the Israel Defense Forces under certain conditions. Israel's actions have drawn criticism, as its bombardment of Gaza has been deemed indiscriminate, resulting in a high death toll of over 16,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by many countries, has also been accused of suppressing political expression and the free press. Human rights organizations have documented instances of intimidation, physical violence, and torture, further hindering journalists' ability to report independently from Gaza.

The situation has made it exceedingly difficult for journalists to provide unbiased reporting, which acts as a critical check on wartime propaganda. This lack of information has created a void, allowing both Hamas and Israel to present contradictory narratives about the reality on the ground, further complicating the understanding of the conflict.

Under international law, journalists are not considered a separate, protected class from civilians. However, intentionally targeting journalists is illegal, as media outlets are not considered military targets unless they make an "effective contribution to military action" or incite war crimes or violence, as outlined by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Unfortunately, independent investigations have concluded that Israel has intentionally targeted journalists on multiple occasions, prompting Reporters Without Borders to file a complaint before the International Criminal Court, accusing Israel of committing war crimes against journalists. However, Israel has opposed these complaints, arguing that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over them due to Palestine's disputed status.

The restricted access granted to international news organizations by Israel, under specific conditions and with material review requirements, has further limited the independent coverage of the conflict. While embedding with the Israel Defense Forces can offer valuable insights, it is not a substitute for independent reporting and can provide a skewed perspective of the situation.

The difficulties faced by journalists are not limited to Gaza alone. Inside Israel and the West Bank, Palestinian journalists have been arrested and faced harassment from Israeli authorities due to their coverage and social media posts related to the conflict. Furthermore, Israeli security forces and sections of the public have targeted journalists, leading to assaults and acts of intimidation.

With increasing concerns about press freedom, there are growing calls for greater access and protection for journalists in conflict zones. The targeting of journalists undermines their critical role in reporting events and holding all sides accountable. The perilous conditions faced by journalists in Gaza and Israel highlight the urgent need for international attention and concerted efforts to protect their safety and preserve the integrity of independent reporting.