In a tragic turn of events on Monday, press freedom organizations are vocally condemning the targeted killings of two journalists in Gaza during Israeli airstrikes. These incidents have drawn international attention to the perilous conditions journalists face while covering the ongoing conflict.

The first victim, 23-year-old Hossam Shabat, was a correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher. He was killed when an airstrike hit his car in the eastern region of Beit Lahiya. Footage from the aftermath, now circulating online, shows the chaotic scene as onlookers rushed to assist and recover his body from the wreckage.

The second journalist, Mohammed Mansour, who worked for Palestine Today, was reportedly killed in a separate airstrike that also claimed the lives of his wife and son at their home in Khan Younis. These losses have ignited calls for accountability and protection for journalists worldwide.

Organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have reacted swiftly. CPJ program director Carlos Martínez de la Serna expressed his horror at the cycle of violence that continues to devastate Gaza. “This nightmare in Gaza has to end. The international community must act fast to ensure that journalists are kept safe and hold Israel accountable for the deaths of Hossam Shabat and Mohammed Mansour,” he stated, highlighting the legal protections afforded to journalists in conflict zones.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, categorizing Shabat and Mansour as terrorists. They claimed Shabat was affiliated with Hamas and had exploited his journalistic role for military purposes, a claim that has been vehemently denied by Al Jazeera and advocates for press freedom, who argue that such labels are unsubstantiated and unjust.

Historically, the situation for journalists in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically. According to CPJ estimates, over 170 journalists have been reported killed since the beginning of the current conflict in October 2023 — marking this as the deadliest period for journalists since records began in 1992. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate claims the death toll is even higher, stating that a total of 208 journalists and press members have been lost amid the fighting.

International law explicitly protects journalists as civilians, emphasizing that they should not be targets in warfare. This fundamental principle appears increasingly trampled upon as violence escalates in the region.

In a poignant message shared just hours after his death, Hossam Shabat left a heartfelt letter reflecting on the sacrifices he made to report the truth from northern Gaza. He recounted countless sleepless nights spent on the front lines, underscoring his commitment to bringing authentic coverage to the world, despite overwhelming challenges.

As the struggle for press freedom continues, these tragic incidents serve as a grim reminder of the risks journalists take to inform the global community. Calls for the safety and accountability of media personnel remain more crucial than ever in this volatile landscape, as the world grapples with the impact of such targeted violence on truth and journalism in war zones.