Fact Check: As of October 2023, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 173 journalists and media workers according to U.N. and Committee to Protect Journalists records.

Fact Check: "As of October 2023, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 173 journalists and media workers according to U.N. and Committee to Protect Journalists records."

What We Know

The claim states that at least 173 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza as of October 2023. This figure is purportedly based on records from the U.N. and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). However, various reports indicate differing numbers regarding the fatalities among journalists in Gaza during this period.

1. According to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 64 journalists were confirmed killed in Gaza since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023. This figure is significantly lower than the claim of 173.
2. A more recent report from the CPJ notes that by June 12, 2025, a total of 178 journalists had been killed, with 176 being Palestinian and 2 Israeli, but this data extends beyond the October 2023 timeframe and does not confirm the specific number cited in the claim (Wikipedia).
3. The U.N. has also reported on the casualties among journalists, but specific numbers are not consistently aligned with the claim of 173 fatalities as of October 2023 (Washington Post).

Analysis

The claim of 173 journalists killed appears to be an exaggeration based on the available data. The most credible sources, including the CPJ and U.N. reports, do not support this figure. The CPJ's report of 64 confirmed journalist deaths as of October 2023 is the most reliable figure available at this time.

While the number of journalists killed in conflict zones is tragically high, the specific claim lacks corroboration from multiple reputable sources. The discrepancy in numbers raises questions about the reliability of the original claim. The CPJ is a respected organization focused on press freedom and the safety of journalists, making their reports a critical reference point.

Additionally, the context of the conflict and the challenges in accurately reporting casualties in war zones complicate the verification of such claims. The situation is fluid, and numbers can change as new information becomes available, but as of now, the claim does not hold up against the evidence.

Conclusion

Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that at least 173 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza as of October 2023 is not substantiated by credible sources. The most reliable figures from the Committee to Protect Journalists indicate a significantly lower number of fatalities. Further research and verification are necessary to clarify the actual toll on journalists in the ongoing conflict.

Sources

1. News Graveyards: How Dangers to War Reporters ...
2. Israel - The World Factbook
3. Israel – Wikipedia
4. Israeli strike on Iranian state TV fills studio with dust and debris during live broadcast
5. Israeli strikes kill 20 in Gaza, including a journalist and rescue ...
6. Israel country profile - BBC News
7. Number of journalists killed in Gaza since Oct. 7 attacks called ...
8. Killing of journalists in the Gaza war