IFJ calls for international solidarity and medical evacuations for Gaza journalists

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Wednesday called for greater international solidarity with journalists in the Gaza Strip, reporting that more than 212 journalists and media workers have been killed by Israeli forces since 7th October 2023.

In a statement, the federation said dozens of journalists had also been injured, while others remained missing, describing the past three years as one of the deadliest periods in the history of journalism. It also expressed concern over the lack of accountability for attacks on media workers.

The IFJ urged journalists’ unions and associations worldwide to pressure their governments to facilitate the evacuation of sick and injured journalists from Gaza so they can receive specialized medical treatment abroad.

The federation said more than 74,000 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza since October 2023, citing medical sources in the territory. It also cited the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as reporting that more than 2.1 million people face displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis.

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According to the IFJ, a recent UN assessment found that the proportion of buildings destroyed or damaged in Gaza had increased by 10 percentage points since the October 2025 ceasefire, reaching 82 percent.

The federation called on the Israeli government to facilitate medical evacuations and ensure that injured and sick journalists receive necessary treatment.

It also urged Israel to lift restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza, allowing them to report freely and independently from the territory.

The IFJ said Israeli bombardment and destruction continued to cause civilian casualties despite nearly a year having passed since the ceasefire agreement.

Among the cases highlighted was photojournalist Mohammed Fayeq Abu Mustafa, who, according to the federation, was left paralyzed in the lower half of his body following an attack targeting journalists near Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis.

The federation reiterated its call for international action to protect journalists, ensure access to medical care and address the lack of accountability for attacks against media workers in Gaza.

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