The media office in Gaza reported that the number of Palestinian journalists who have been killed since October 8, 2023, has now reached 261, following the recent death of journalist Amal Shmali due to Israeli bombardments. Shmali, who was working as a correspondent for Qatari radio, was killed during an Israeli attack targeting tents belonging to displaced persons. This tragic event underscores the ongoing peril faced by journalists in the region amid escalating violence.

The media office condemned the 'systematic' targeting of Palestinian journalists and called on international and Arab human rights organizations to condemn these actions and push for accountability against the Israeli military. They expressed the urgent need to protect journalists operating in conflict zones, stressing that their lives are at significant risk as the hostilities continue.

For over two years, since the onset of persistent violence on October 8, 2023, Israeli military actions have been characterized as acts of 'genocide.' This has led to a substantial humanitarian crisis and international outcry, with calls for an end to such violence, as well as pressing humanitarian needs for the affected populations including journalists, who play a crucial role in reporting the realities on the ground.