Women Press Freedom Calls For Global Action Against Israel's Deliberate Targeting of Journalists
The relentless attacks on journalists are assaults on the very pillars of a free and informed society
Palestinian journalist Hind Khoudary, reporting from Gaza.
The horrific and persistent targeting of journalists in Gaza and Lebanon represents an ongoing crisis that undermines the fundamental rights of journalists to report safely and without fear. The attacks chillingly illustrate the perilous conditions under which journalists work, where they face unprecedented risks in bringing critical news to the world.
We must recognize the impact of these attacks on journalism: they are not only direct attacks on journalists but also systematic attempts to stifle the free flow of information. The loss of these journalists is a loss to the community and the world.
Deliberate Targeting of Press
Women Press Freedom, an initiative of the Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ), is profoundly disturbed by the findings of recent reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse (AFP) regarding the October 13 strike in southern Lebanon. These reports suggest a deliberate assault by the Israeli Defense Forces, resulting in the tragic death of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and injuries to six other journalists.
The investigations, grounded in extensive research, including witness testimonies, video and audio analysis, munition remnants, and satellite imagery, indicate that these were not isolated incidents. Their conclusions resonate with findings in previous CFWIJ’s Women Press Freedom reports.
Since the conflict's escalation, a chilling tally of at least 63 journalists have been confirmed dead, with others either missing, detained, or grievously injured.
The following incidents, meticulously documented by CFWIJ’s Women Press Freedom, point towards a disturbing pattern of behavior that we believe indicates a deliberate targeting of journalists by Israeli forces:
October 13 Shelling: Israeli shelling resulted in the death of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and injuries to others, including journalists from Al Jazeera and AFP.
November 13 Press Convoy Attack: Israeli missiles targeted a convoy of journalists in southern Lebanon.
November 21 Incident: Al-Mayadeen reporter Farah Omar and her colleague were killed in Tayr Harfa, southern Lebanon, allegedly by an Israeli missile strike.
The indiscriminate shelling by Israel on Gaza, targeting citizens and journalists alike, constitutes a war crime. Israeli shelling killed Salam Mema, Salma Mukhaimer, Duaa Sharaf, Alaa Taher Al Hassanat, Ayat Khadoura, Amal Zohd, and Shima El-Gazzar.
Threats against journalists by Israel:
Al Jazeera’s Youmna ElSayed and her family were threatened, Dalia Al-Nimri of Russia Today was intimidated by Israeli border guards, and Fulya Öztürk of CNN Turkey received ominous phone calls.
Emergency Regulations Impacting Media: New Israeli regulations could suspend foreign media broadcasts and restrict press freedom.
Closure of Media Agencies: The IDF's closure of the West Bank-based J-Media agency is a concerning act against media freedom.
CFWIJ and Women Press Freedom stands firmly against these actions and urge the international community to respond. The targeting of journalists is unacceptable and undermines not only press freedom but also the fundamental principles of democracy and human rights. We advocate for the safety and protection of all journalists and call for an end to these hostile acts.
In light of these findings, we demand the following:
Cease Targeting Journalists: Israel must cease the targeting of journalists. Such acts are not only abhorrent but also constitute a severe violation of international law and journalistic freedom.
Immediate, Independent Investigation: An immediate, independent, and transparent investigation must be conducted to hold the perpetrators accountable.
We call on:
ICC, Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, to:
Charge Israeli officials who have committed war crimes against journalists
Send out an arrest warrant for those charged
ICC:
Ensure a fair trial for the perpetrators
Ensure meaningful participation and support for the victims
OHCHR, Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to:
Collaborate with the ICC, sharing information and coordinating efforts.
Advocate for joint action among international bodies to hold perpetrators accountable.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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