Press freedom organizations have criticized the labeling of journalists as 'terrorists,' arguing that such accusations endanger their safety without justification.

The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in over 50,000 deaths and widespread displacement among its 2.3 million residents over the past year and a half.

Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 170 journalists have been killed in Gaza, making it one of the deadliest conflict zones for media workers in recent history.

Palestinian journalist Hind Khoudary highlighted the dire situation for reporters in Gaza, who are enduring the same perilous conditions as civilians, facing displacement, starvation, and violence.

Ruth Michaelson emphasized that the mistreatment of journalists should be treated as an international concern, as it contributes to ongoing violence against media personnel worldwide.

The Palestinian Authority has also restricted media coverage, suspending Al Jazeera's broadcasts due to unfavorable reporting, mirroring Israeli measures against the press.

Israel has barred foreign journalists from entering Gaza, which exacerbates the risks for local reporters who lack protective gear and face hostility while documenting the conflict.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have accused journalists like Hossam Shabat of being 'sniper terrorists,' a claim denied by him and Al Jazeera, which condemned the killing as an assassination.

Carlos Martinez, program director at the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has called for accountability and protection for journalists, emphasizing that attacks on them are illegal in war zones.

On March 24, 2025, two Palestinian journalists, Mohammed Mansour and Hossam Shabat, were killed in Israeli airstrikes, prompting international condemnation.

The CPJ reported that 75 journalists have been arrested in the Palestinian territories since the war's onset, indicating a broader crackdown on press freedom in the region.

Hossam Shabat, a 23-year-old reporter, was known for his intimate and personal reporting on the realities of northern Gaza, making his death particularly impactful on the journalism community.