Gaza: Israeli Airstrike Kills Hiba al-Abadla and Daughter
13th woman journalist killed in Israeli bombing of Gaza
Location: Gaza, Khan Younis
Date: January 9, 2024
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom expresses deep sorrow at the deaths of journalist Hiba al-Abadla and her daughter Judy. This heartbreaking event contributes to the disturbingly high number of Palestinian journalists killed by Israel in Gaza. Since the escalation of the conflict on October 7, at least 72 Palestinian, 4 Israeli, and 3 Lebanese journalists and media workers have been killed. It is imperative that journalists can carry out their vital work without the constant threat of violence, aligning with international standards safeguarding freedom of the press. The reprehensible killing of journalists in this conflict must cease immediately. We unequivocally condemn the killing of Hiba al-Abadla, call for an urgent cessation of hostilities, and implore Israel to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court's investigation into potential war crimes.
On January 9, 2024, Israel killed journalist Hiba al-Abadla and her daughter Judy with an airstrike hitting their home in Khan Younis, as reported by the Palestinian Information Center. Her death has shaken the Palestinian journalistic community, with numerous media professionals expressing grief over the loss of their colleague.
Two days prior, on January 7, journalist Hamza al-Dahdouh, the eldest son of Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief Wael al-Dahdouh, was killed in an Israeli strike while traveling with a group of journalists. Beloved journalist Wael al-Dahdouh has previously lost four family members in an Israeli strike.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports a distressing toll of over 70 media workers killed in the recent Gaza conflict, with some estimates putting the number over 100. CFWIJ has documented the killings of 19 women journalists since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. 13 of these deaths were the result of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. The direct threats to reporters and their families by Israeli officials raise serious concerns about the deliberate targeting of Palestinian journalists, potentially constituting war crimes.
As the death toll in Gaza surpasses 20,000, international pressure on Israel to cease its aggressive actions is mounting. South Africa has filed a lawsuit accusing Israel of genocide, with rising support from various countries. Simultaneously, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating possible war crimes in the conflict. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan acknowledged for the first time on January 5, 2024, that crimes against journalists are part of the ongoing investigation.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Hiba al-Abadla. We support the ICC’s probe and call for a thorough and impartial investigation into the attacks on journalists in Gaza. The international community must take decisive action to ensure Israel’s cooperation with war crimes investigations so that those found guilty of deliberately targeting press workers are held 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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