22 Journalists Killed In Israel-Hamas War

At least 22 journalists have been killed so far while covering the news in the war between Hamas, the pro-independence armed group based in the besieged Palestinian Gaza Strip, and the occupying Israeli forces.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said in a statement that among the journalists killed were 18 Palestinians, three Israelis and one Lebanese citizen.

CPJ reported that 15 journalists were killed in Israeli airstrikes and two in Hamas attacks in southern Israel.

The statement also said that eight more journalists were injured and three were missing or detained.

A spokesman said the CPJ stressed that journalists are civilians who perform important work in times of crisis. Therefore, warring parties should not target journalists.

Meanwhile, Palestinian independence group Hamas has freed American citizens Judith Ranan and her daughter Natalie Ranan, who were held hostage in Gaza. According to a report by Al Jazeera, these two women were the first hostages held by Hamas to be released.

Judith Ranan and her daughter Natalie Ranan arrived in Israel after being released last Friday (October 20). Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the matter in a statement.

Hamas spokesman Abu Obaida said the two US citizens were released on humanitarian grounds following Qatar's mediation efforts. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden thanked the joint efforts of Qatar and Israel to ensure the release of the two hostages.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar said, that after many days of constant communication with all parties, the release of these two hostages was obtained. He expressed optimism that the discussion will play a key role in release of all civilian hostages of all countries.