The Israel-Gaza conflict has taken a severe toll on journalists since Hamas launched its unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7 and Israel declared war on the militant Palestinian group, launching air strikes and ground raids on the blockaded Gaza Strip. The conflict has since widened to neighboring Lebanon.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which is investigating all reports of journalists killed, injured, detained, or missing in the war, announced on Tuesday that at least 31 journalists were among more than 9,000 killed on both sides since the war began on October 7.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told Reuters and Agence France Press news agencies that it could not guarantee the safety of their journalists operating in the Gaza Strip, after they had sought assurances that their journalists would not be targeted by Israeli strikes, Reuters reported on October 27.

“The IDF is targeting all Hamas military activity throughout Gaza,” the IDF letter said, adding that Hamas deliberately put military operations “in the vicinity of journalists and civilians … we cannot guarantee your employees’ safety, and strongly urge you to take all necessary measures for their safety.”

As of October 31:

31 journalists were confirmed dead: 26 Palestinian, 4 Israeli, and 1 Lebanese.

8 journalists were reported injured.

9 journalists were reported missing or detained.

“CPJ emphasizes that journalists are civilians doing important work during times of crisis and must not be targeted by warring parties,” said Sherif Mansour, CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa program coordinator. “Journalists across the region are making great sacrifices to cover this heart-breaking conflict. Those in Gaza, in particular, have paid, and continue to pay, an unprecedented toll and face exponential threats. Many have lost colleagues, families, and media facilities, and have fled, seeking safety when there is no safe haven or exit.”