Gaza Journalists Appeal

Palestinian journalists mourn for colleague Jabr Abu Hadrous, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike with his family members on December 29, 2023. Photo: PJS

The Press Freedom Crisis in Gaza is deepening, as in recent weeks even more journalists have been killed in a targeted attack by the IDF.

MEAA has launched a new fundraising appeal as part of an international effort to support Palestinian journalists, through the Media Safety & Solidarity Fund. Donations will provide basic food and health supplies for journalists in Gaza and their families.

According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) the killing of 233 journalists and media workers have been verified since October 2023, 219 of these have been Palestinian*. Many died alongside their families while sheltering from bombing.

The IDF boasted on social media about recent targeted killing of Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al Sharif, complete with target emoji.

Horrific as this death toll is, it is overshadowed by the overall loss of human life in Gaza, with a death toll of 63,000 and growing, and Israel's own military data revealing that 83% of deaths were civilians.

Journalists are the eyes and ears of the world on the conflict in Gaza. Without their courage under fire – and when the IDF blocks the international media from entering Gaza - we rely on our Palestinian colleagues to document the crisis.

Local journalists in Gaza continue to risk their lives at the frontlines of the story. Yet like much of the civilian population, they are battling starvation, lack of shelter, and shortages of food and water. Many journalists are living under canvas, shifting from tent to tent as the conflict engulfs more of Gaza, while others sleep in school buildings with thousands of other displaced people.

They lack protective gear, and sometimes are unable to charge their phones or laptops or replace damaged equipment.

In harsh weather conditions, there is a grave need for basic food provisions along with tents and warm clothes.

That is why MEAA is now asking its Australian members and supporters to dig deep to help the journalists of Gaza.

Every cent donated will be distributed through the Media Safety and Solidarity Fund to Palestinian journalists who have recently left Gaza with nothing, and through the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, the official affiliate of the IFJ, to provide material support for journalists in Gaza to continue to be able to do their jobs.

Since the conflict began, the PJS has sought to support Gaza journalists with tents, food baskets, power banks (mobile charging batteries), wheat, flour, cash assistance and other basic needs.

Your financial support for this campaign is deeply appreciated.

* As at August 27, 2025.