Protection of Palestinian journalists: Analysing Israeli violations during the Gaza War 2023–2025 within the framework of international humanitarian law

This study examines Israel’s violations against Palestinian journalists during the Gaza War 2023–2025 within the framework of international humanitarian law (IHL). Adopting a Critical Legal Studies perspective, the study recognizes that IHL operates within unequal power structures and does not assume neutrality. The Gaza War, precipitated by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, occurs against the broader context of the Israeli siege since 2006 and the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine. The study analyses the legal protections afforded to journalists in armed conflicts, documents Israeli violations, and proposes measures to strengthen accountability and safeguard media workers. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, it reviews IHL frameworks—including Geneva Conventions and UN resolutions—and evaluates media and human rights reports. Findings reveal violations by Israeli forces, including targeted killings, movement restrictions, communication blackout, and attacks on media infrastructure, all of which contravene IHL principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. The study highlights the persistent enforcement gap in protecting the Palestinian journalists as civilians and advocates for enhanced HL protections, independent investigations and the use of international courts to ensure journalist safety and uphold press freedom.