In April 2021, tensions between Palestinian citizens of Israel and Israeli forces escalated significantly in Jerusalem. The conflict arose over the eviction of Arab citizens from their properties and the ownership claim by Israeli settlers over lands and houses in Arab-majority neighborhoods, notably Sheikh Jarrah. On May 10, the conflict took a sharp, violent turn with an uninterrupted 11-day Israeli military campaign on the Gaza Strip.

As a result of the violence, at least 256 Palestinians, including 66 children, were killed. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that more than 1,900 Palestinians were also injured. As of May 19, at least 72,000 Palestinians were displaced. Israel conducted 1,500 air, land, and sea strikes on the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian and Palestine-based journalists and media organizations paid a very heavy price. The most striking development was the Israeli air raid on towers hosting several media organizations in Gaza, including AP, Al-Jazeera and others. In addition, two Palestinian journalists were killed when their houses were targeted by Israeli shelling, and dozens more injured either during the coverage of developments, or by Israeli riot policy in Jerusalem.

Following the May 2021 conflict and the ensuing cessation of hostilities, the Samir Kassir Foundation conducted a damage and needs assessment of the Palestinian media organizations within the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The selected media outlets (TV, print, online, and radio) reflect the diversity of the landscape, taking into account the political, societal, and sectoral distribution existing in Palestine. A total of 19 different media organizations have responded to SKF’s assessment request.

This report summarizes the main findings, outlines the extent of destruction of media property and equipment, and presents recommendations to provide short- and long-term support to the Palestinian media sector.