Israeli attacks on journalists constitute war crime: International Federation of Journalists
Israeli attacks on journalists to stop news getting out of Gaza constitute a war crime, according to the deputy general secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
The rising death toll of journalists in Gaza due to Israeli attacks has been a cause for concern. Tim Dawson, the IFJ deputy general secretary, expressed his views on the matter, stating, It is clear that the situation in Gaza is terrible for everyone. Food, water, fuel, and shelter are in short supply.
Dawson highlighted the significant impact on journalists, stating, Journalists have suffered more than most – around 7% or 8% of all journalists in the enclave have lost their lives, and nearly all have lost family members.
Under international law, armed forces are required to treat journalists as civilians and ensure their safety. Deliberately targeting journalists is considered a war crime, Dawson emphasized.
While the reasons behind these Israeli actions remain unclear, Gazan journalists have expressed their belief that they are being specifically targeted. The restrictions imposed by Israel and Egypt on allowing international reporters into Gaza, coupled with frequent communications outages in the area, further exacerbate the challenges faced by journalists.
Dawson commended the resilience of Gazan journalists, who continue to report despite the dire circumstances, including limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, and fuel. He described them as extraordinarily tenacious and expressed his admiration for their work.
In response to the deaths of journalists at the hands of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the IFJ has lodged a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC). Dawson expressed hope that this complaint could pave the way for broader investigations into the circumstances surrounding the high number of journalist casualties in Gaza.
During a recent visit to the West Bank, ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan assured leaders of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) that an investigation into these incidents is underway, offering a glimmer of hope for justice.
Dawson stressed the importance of having faith in international law for the people of Gaza and Palestinians in general, in order for these cases to be duly addressed and resolved.
The situation in Gaza has garnered global attention, and the IFJ’s condemnation of the attacks on journalists underscores the need to ensure the safety of media professionals and to protect their crucial role in reporting the truth.
As the international community watches, it remains to be seen how these events will unfold and what actions will be taken to hold accountable those responsible for the attacks on journalists. The quest for justice continues amidst the harrowing realities faced by journalists and the people of Gaza.
