By Micah Jonah
February 16, 2026
Basketball star Kyrie Irving paid tribute to journalists covering the war in Gaza by wearing a shirt labeled “PRESS” at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Inglewood, California. The Dallas Mavericks point guard dedicated the gesture to “our beloved journalists in Gaza showing the world the truth.”
Since the conflict began in October 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed nearly 300 journalists and media workers, including 10 Al Jazeera staff. The war has also seen over 90 Palestinian journalists imprisoned by Israeli authorities. Foreign reporters face strict restrictions, with entry permitted only through tightly controlled military-organized tours.
Irving, 33, has previously demonstrated support for Palestinians. In November 2024, he wore a chain featuring the Palestinian flag shaped like Israel’s land mass, and in 2023, he attended a press conference wearing a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian identity.
During the All-Star weekend, LeBron James addressed fans in Israel, drawing online criticism, while emphasizing inspiration in sports and life. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 72,000 deaths, including thousands of children, despite a US-brokered ceasefire that began in October 2023.
Irving’s actions highlight international awareness of media risks in Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting journalists on the ground.
