CPJ Revises Journalist Deaths in Gaza Conflict
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has revised its tally of Palestinian journalists killed in the Gaza war, removing 19 individuals previously identified as media workers and adding new cases. The update follows a review prompted by obituaries that linked some of the deceased to militant gr…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a New York‑based advocacy group that tracks violence against reporters worldwide, has issued a revised list of Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli forces since the start of the Gaza war. In a statement released on Thursday, CPJ said it had removed 19 names that it had previously classified as journalists or media workers, after determining that those individuals were either militants or had participated in combat. The organization also removed three more names whose journalistic status could not be confirmed and reinstated six cases, including two Israeli journalists who were killed during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 that sparked the current conflict.
Background: The CPJ’s Tracking Methodology
Since the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza, CPJ has maintained a database of journalists and media workers killed in the region. The group says it updates its findings as new information emerges, and that its criteria for inclusion are based strictly on whether an individual meets the organization’s definition of a journalist, rather than on political affiliation or external pressure. CPJ’s definition includes anyone who gathers, produces, or distributes news content, regardless of the outlet or platform. However, the group has recently revised its criteria to exclude anyone with active membership in a military arm of a state or non‑state actor, a change that led to the removal of five of the 19 names in the latest update.
Why the Revision Matters
The decision to reclassify 19 individuals has sparked debate among journalists, human rights advocates, and Israeli officials. CPJ’s spokesperson, CEO Jodie Ginsberg, emphasized that the organization’s “accuracy and credibility” are paramount and that the changes reflect new evidence rather than political influence. Israeli authorities, on the other hand, have repeatedly denied that the deaths of reporters were intentional, arguing that some of the deceased were members of Hamas or other armed groups posing as journalists. In some cases, Israel has provided evidence of such affiliations that the reporters’ employers have rejected.
Key Incidents Highlighted in the Update
- Mariam Dagga, a visual journalist who worked for the Associated Press and other outlets, was killed in a double strike on a Gaza hospital in August 2025, along with 21 other people, including rescue workers and other journalists.
- Several of the names removed from CPJ’s list were identified in obituaries released after the October 2025 ceasefire deal as fighters belonging to Hamas or other militant groups.
- CPJ’s updated list now includes a Palestinian journalist killed by a Palestinian militia and four Israelis killed by Hamas.
International Law and the Protection of Journalists
Under international humanitarian law, journalists are considered civilians unless they directly participate in hostilities. CPJ argues that Palestinian journalists who are killed in Gaza are doing so in connection with their work, as they are unable to leave the territory and can operate anywhere within it. Israel claims that militants who pose as reporters use the protection afforded to civilians to gather intelligence and target Israeli forces. The organization notes that Hamas and other armed groups maintain media outlets, political parties, charities, and other civilian institutions alongside their secretive armed wings, and that military media units embedded with fighters film attacks and release propaganda.
Future Outlook and Unresolved Questions
CPJ’s internal review, launched in June after the obituaries raised concerns, was followed by an audit in July. The organization says it will continue to update its list as new information becomes available. The broader question of how to protect journalists in conflict zones remains unresolved. Critics accuse Israel of deliberately targeting reporters to silence coverage, while Israeli officials maintain that they take extraordinary measures to avoid civilian casualties. The situation is further complicated by the fact that foreign reporters have been barred from entering Gaza except for brief, military‑run visits since the war began.
As the conflict continues, the accuracy of casualty reporting will remain a contentious issue. CPJ’s latest revisions underscore the challenges of distinguishing between civilians, journalists, and combatants in a densely populated war zone. The international community, media organizations, and human rights groups will likely keep a close eye on how these classifications evolve and how they impact the safety of those who seek to document the conflict.
Key facts
- CPJ removed 19 names from its list of Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli fire
- The update followed obituaries linking some deceased to Hamas and other militant groups
- CPJ revised its criteria to exclude anyone with active membership in a military arm
- Israel denies targeting journalists, citing evidence of militant affiliations
- The conflict raises questions about the protection of journalists under international law
Why it matters
Accurate reporting on who is killed in conflict zones is essential for holding parties accountable and protecting journalists. Misclassifying combatants as civilians can undermine international law and endanger reporters who rely on clear definitions to navigate war zones.
Frequently asked questions
What criteria does CPJ use to classify someone as a journalist?
CPJ defines a journalist as anyone who gathers, produces, or distributes news content. The organization recently added a rule that excludes individuals with active membership in a military arm of a state or non‑state actor.
Why were some names removed from CPJ’s list?
The names were removed after a review found that the individuals were either militants or had participated in combat, or that their journalistic status could not be confirmed.
Does CPJ consider all Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza to have been killed in connection with their work?
Yes, CPJ states that Palestinian journalists are killed in connection with their work because they cannot leave Gaza and can work anywhere within it.
Sources
- [1] latimes.com
- [2] independent.co.uk
