Updated · Committee to Protect Journalists · Jun 26
CPJ Removes 20 Gaza Casualty Names as Hamas, PIJ Obituaries Identify 8 as Combatants
Updated
Updated · Committee to Protect Journalists · Jun 26
CPJ Removes 20 Gaza Casualty Names as Hamas, PIJ Obituaries Identify 8 as Combatants
3 articles · Updated · Committee to Protect Journalists · Jun 26
Summary
CPJ cut 20 names from its Israel-Gaza journalist casualty database after Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad obituaries identified some previously listed journalists as fighters.
Eight were removed because later evidence showed they were Hamas or PIJ combatants, while 12 others were dropped because they were not journalists, were not working in that role, or were engaged in combat.
The revisions leave 209 people documented by CPJ as journalists or media workers killed by Israel in Gaza and Israeli detention centers since Oct. 7, 2023, and the group says a full review should finish in July.
CPJ said it normally relies on at least two independent sources, but outside researchers have been unable to verify cases in person because Israel has barred access to Gaza, including for international correspondents.
The group said misrepresenting combatants as journalists or misusing press markings endangers legitimate reporters, while reiterating that journalists linked to non-state actors remain civilians unless they directly participate in hostilities.