Mortality risk for healthcare workers and journalists in the Gaza Strip over 2023–24

Armed conflicts often expose groups protected under international humanitarian law, such as healthcare workers (HW) and journalists (JN), to disproportionate risks and in the Israel Gaza war it was particularly evident. However, quantitative assessments of their mortality relative to the general population remain limited. Using official data sources, cross-referenced lists from professional associations, and rigorous statistical methods, we estimated higher mortality among HW and JN during the 2023-24 Israel Gaza war. Mortality risks were consistently higher among these protected groups, ranging from 36% to more than sixfold higher for journalists compared with Gaza residents of the same age and sex. Our findings highlight the urgent global need to protect HW and JN in all conflict settings and to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law.