This story was originally published by the The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ). Updated Thursday, Nov. 9, at 2:05 p.m. PT.
Journalists covering the Israeli-Gaza war bear witness to stories of tragedy, despair and resilience.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, at least 39 journalists have been killed; at least five were women. More than 8,000 have been killed on both sides; the United Nations says the humanitarian crisis has reached an “unprecedented point.”
The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) is following the work of journalists, especially women on the frontlines amidst the relentless torrents of war and civil unrest, risking their lives to shed light on the truth.
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Duaa Sharaf
Killed
In the early hours of Oct. 26, Israeli airstrikes struck the Al-Zawaida area in central Gaza, killing Palestinian journalist Duaa Sharaf and her young daughter. Her death was confirmed by Hamas-run Al-Aqsa Radio where Sharaf worked as a program presenter.
Salma Mkhaimer
Killed
Mkhaimer, a freelance journalist, was killed alongside her child in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and the independent Egyptian online newspaper, Mada Masr.
Salam Mema
Killed
An Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp, north of Gaza, struck the home of journalist Salam Mema and her family on Oct. 9. Mema was trapped under rubble for four days before rescue workers could reach the lifeless body of the journalist. Her death was confirmed on Oct. 13.
Ayelet Arnin
Killed
Hamas killed 22-year-old news editor Ayelet Arnin during the Supernova music festival massacre in south Israel on Oct. 7. Approximately 260 attendees of the festival are confirmed dead. Arnin was a sub-editor for the evening news edition at public broadcaster Kan 11.
Shai Regev
Killed
Shai Regev, an entertainment reporter, was murdered by Hamas during the Supernova music festival massacre on Oct. 7, 2023. Regev, known for her work at TMI, was confirmed dead on Oct. 14, 2023, after a week of anguish for her loved ones.
Rest in power: Duaa Sharaf, Salma Mkhaimer, Salam Mema, Ayelet Arnin and Shai Regev.
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Somaya Jawabra
Detained
On Nov. 5, Israeli authorities detained Palestinian journalist Somaya Jawabra in Nablus, according to her husband and fellow journalist, Tariq Youssef Al-Sarkaji. Al-Sarkaji said both he and his wife were questioned, but he was let go, and Jawabra was detained. Al-Sarkaji asked an Israeli officer where his wife was, and the officer replied “I don’t know.”
Jawabra, who works for the Palestinian Information Centre’s monitoring team, is seven months pregnant, prompting concerns about her well-being and health.
Laram Khatar
Detained
Israeli forces took another woman journalist Laram Khatar into custody. Khater was detained by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Oct. 26 in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank. Dozens of IDF soldiers stormed her family home in the early hours, subjected her family to violence and intimidation, and arrested her. The reasons for her detention remain unknown.
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Christina Assi
Injured
Covering the back-and-forth shelling near Alma Al-Shaab, Reuters journalist Christina Assi was critically injured by Israeli airstrikes. The targeted attack killed Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah and injured six other journalists, all clearly identifiable as press.
Carmen Joukhadar
Injured
Israeli missiles struck news crews near Alma al-Shaab, Lebanon, injuring Al Jazeera’s Carmen Joukhadar. The car of Al Jazeera’s crew set ablaze. The strike on Oct. 13 killed Issam Abdallah of Reuters and injured six more journalists representing various media organizations.
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Women Journalists on the Frontline
Stay up to date on the latest news brought to you by courageous women journalists reporting from the frontline across Gaza and Israel on this exclusive, vetted Twitter list. These journalists bring you direct access to voices, perspectives and scenes from the unfolding tragic crises in the region.
If you are following the #Gaza coverage, look out for this list of #womenjournos covering the story on the ground. It’s one of the most dangerous frontlines in 2023, and here are some of the most reliable journalists bravely bringing you the story. https://t.co/vq6W0Z77ha
— #WomenInJournalism (@CFWIJ) October 12, 2023
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