Since the start of the war, Israel has not ceased targeting Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip, often assassinating them along with their families through concentrated airstrikes—whether while they are carrying out their field duties or even outside of work. These attacks are a clear attempt to influence media coverage and reduce the flow of information coming out of the Strip.

The most recent victims of this policy were journalist Hossam Shabat, correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher, who was targeted in the northern part of the Strip, and journalist Mohammad Mansour, correspondent for Palestine Today channel, who was killed in Khan Younis in the south. This brings the total number of Palestinian journalists killed since the beginning of the war to 208.

Journalists in Gaza work under harsh and inhumane conditions. There are no safe spaces, and they are often forced to work in worn-out tents that lack electricity and stable internet. Transportation systems are nearly completely paralyzed, making it even more difficult for journalists to reach Israeli-targeted areas to cover events and report the truth.

The targeting of journalists in Gaza is considered one of the gravest threats resulting from the war. After more than a year and a half of the war, it has become abundantly clear that the Israeli army systematically targets the press in an effort to silence the Palestinian voice.

Journalistic Outrage

Following the killing of Hossam Shabbat, Al Jazeera Mubasher’s retraction of its initial description of him as an official correspondent—later referring to him as a “freelance journalist”—sparked widespread controversy within the Palestinian media community. This reclassification angered Palestinian journalists, prompting Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent in Gaza, Mohammad Qreiqa, to publicly affirm during live coverage of the assassination that Shabat was indeed an official correspondent for the channel, contrary to the channel’s claim.

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate also issued an official statement confirming that “Hossam Shabat was a correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher,” strongly condemning his targeting.

Journalist Youssef Fares stated that his colleague Shabat had told him he signed a contract with Al Jazeera Mubasher in August of the previous year. Since then, the channel had referred to him in exclusive footage as “our correspondent”—a fact supported by dozens of videos shared on social media and his live appearances on the channel.

In a Facebook post, Fares wrote: “Is it acceptable for Al Jazeera to mourn our colleague Shabat in such a cold manner and to describe him as a ‘freelancer’? Hossam carried Al Jazeera Mubasher on his shoulders and soul throughout the genocide. should this be the reward for his loyalty?”

He emphasized that “Hossam was a documented and contracted correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher. His reporting significantly boosted the channel’s viewership, and he remained loyal to it until his last breath. The channel is now morally and professionally obligated to bear the legal consequences of his assassination before its conscience and the world.”

Khaled Taima, another journalist from Gaza, also posted on Facebook: “In every crisis, you called him ‘Our correspondent Hossam Shabat.’ But when he was killed, you mourned him as a ‘freelancer’… Is this your professionalism? Or is it the art of abandonment, Al Jazeera?”

Journalist Muthanna Al-Najjar wrote: “With deep sorrow and surprise, we see Al Jazeera Mubasher describe its martyred correspondent Hossam Shabat as a freelancer—even though he worked under bombing, death, and terror to provide exclusive coverage from the heart of Gaza. His voice bore witness to the crimes and tragedies endured by our people.”

Al-Najjar called the description “an unfair characterization that does not befit the media journey of a man who gave his life for the truth,” urging the channel to issue a swift clarification “out of respect for his blood and his great sacrifices.” He affirmed: “Shabat was a correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher, and his voice will remain etched in the memory of the free.”

Journalist Maha Shahwan wrote: “After more than a year of Hossam Shobbat reporting dangerous events for Al Jazeera Mubasher… in the end, the anchor and his channel call him a ‘freelance journalist.’ It’s the first time I’ve heard that term used when one of their own correspondents is killed.”

Journalist Ahmad Sahmoud pointed out that the label used for Shabat—both before and after his death—raises questions about how some networks treat Palestinian journalists who risk their lives to report from war zones, despite continuous bombing and deliberate targeting. He questioned the nature of these work agreements or collaborations.

Sahmoud wrote on Facebook: “When it’s about exclusive footage from the heart of danger: ‘Our correspondent.’ When they die on the job: ‘Freelance journalist.’”

Al Jazeera Responds

Following the outcry from journalists in Gaza, Al Jazeera Mubasher’s primary correspondent, Mohammad Wishah, sent a WhatsApp message to a media group: “Our colleague Hossam was not employed on a renewable monthly contract like some others. He worked under a freelance agreement and hadn’t signed a formal contract, though he was about to. However, God’s will prevailed. The channel prioritized purchasing content from him because he was active in the field and often had exclusives. He was well compensated, may God have mercy on him.”

Amid mounting backlash, Al Jazeera Network issued an online statement affirming that Shabat was a correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher, and strongly condemned “the Israeli occupation forces’ assassination of journalist Hossam Shabat, Al Jazeera Mubasher’s correspondent in Gaza.”

Despite this statement of recognition, the Al Jazeera website continues to refer to Shabat in its initial report as a “freelance journalist” for Al Jazeera Mubasher.