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Israeli Strike Kills Three Palestinian Journalists in Gaza

Gaza City - A devastating Israeli strike in Gaza City on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026, resulted in the tragic deaths of three Palestinian journalists, including Mohammed Al-Baba, a freelance correspondent working for Agence France-Presse (AFP). The journalists were reportedly documenting the relentless conflict between Israel and Hamas when they were struck by a missile, marking a particularly somber day for the international press.

The incident has ignited fresh outrage and demands for accountability, underscoring the perilous conditions faced by journalists covering the protracted and increasingly destructive conflict. Initial reports suggest the journalists were clearly identifiable as press, a factor that has further complicated the already tense situation. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has swiftly condemned the attack, demanding a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague Mohammed Al-Baba," stated Fabrice Fries, AFP's editor-in-chief. "He was a talented and dedicated journalist who was committed to providing accurate and impartial coverage of the conflict. His loss is a tremendous blow to our organization and to the global community of journalists."

This tragedy isn't an isolated event. It's the latest in a deeply concerning pattern of violence against media professionals in Gaza. Since the conflict erupted in October 2023, at least 15 journalists have lost their lives while reporting from the region, according to the CPJ's records. This staggering number highlights the disproportionate risk faced by those attempting to bring the realities of the conflict to the world.

The consistently high number of journalist fatalities has fueled a growing chorus of international calls for enhanced protection measures and strict accountability for those responsible for attacks on press personnel. Sherif Mansour, CPJ's Middle East and North Africa program coordinator, emphasized the severity of the situation. "The killing of journalists is a serious violation of international law and must be investigated thoroughly. Those responsible for these attacks must be brought to justice," Mansour asserted. He further added that the CPJ is actively monitoring the investigation and will be advocating for a transparent and independent inquiry.

The ongoing conflict has dramatically transformed Gaza into a dangerous and unpredictable environment for anyone, but especially for journalists attempting to document the devastation. Frequent airstrikes, relentless shelling, and intense ground fighting create a constant threat to life and limb. Many journalists have been forced to abandon their homes and offices, seeking refuge elsewhere, while others have sustained injuries or, as in this recent case, succumbed to the violence while doing their duty.

The AFP, joining forces with numerous other international news organizations, has formally requested that all parties involved in the conflict prioritize the safety of journalists and guarantee their ability to conduct their work free from the fear of reprisal. This plea includes calls for designated safe zones for journalists, adherence to international humanitarian law regarding civilians, and a commitment to preventing future incidents.

Beyond the immediate grief and outrage, this incident reignites a critical debate about the ethical responsibilities of all parties involved in armed conflict and the vital importance of protecting press freedom, even - and especially - in the midst of war. The world is watching, and the demand for accountability is growing louder.


Read the Full Le Monde.fr Article at:
[ https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/01/22/israeli-strike-kills-three-gaza-journalists-including-afp-freelancer_6749669_4.html ]