Gaza City: Watchdogs reported on World Press Freedom Day that Israeli attacks had killed more than 262 journalists in Gaza, as global press freedom fell to its lowest level in 25 years.
The Gaza Government Media Office said the deaths since October 2023 reflected a systematic policy targeting media workers.
The office said three journalists remain missing and more than 420 media workers have suffered injuries.
Recent casualties include freelance journalist Mariam Dagga, who worked with international outlets and was among five media workers killed in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on May 4.
An Israeli strike killed Amal Khalil, a reporter for Al-Akhbar, in southern Lebanon on April 22, while a drone strike west of Gaza City killed Mohammed Wishah, an Al Jazeera Mubasher correspondent, on April 8.
Reporters Without Borders released its 2026 World Press Freedom Index on May 3, ranking Palestine 156th out of 180 countries.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and other watchdogs have described Gaza as the deadliest place for journalists in modern history.
Read: Israeli Forces Kill Lebanese Journalist in Southern Lebanon Strike
Major international news organisations have renewed calls for Israel to lift its ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza, which has been in place since October 2023. Israel has also extended its ban on Al Jazeera operations.
