This week the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Palestinian Journalist Syndicate (PJS) released statements raising concerns over the escalating death toll among journalists amidst the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The reported numbers have fluctuated between 10 and 12 journalists killed, with several currently unaccounted for, and an estimated 20 injured. Limitations on communications due to the absence of electricity in the Gaza Strip, as a result of an Israeli blockade, make confirmations difficult. CPJ, RSF, and PJS sources detail these reports.
Christophe Deloire, Secretary-General of RSF, in his statement demanded that the Israeli authorities halt military practices that violate international law leading to the deaths of civilian populations that include journalists. He called upon the involved parties to enforce their obligations in guaranteeing the protection of journalists during such conflicts and urged international institutions to make sure these protective measures are adhered to.
The aforementioned organizations allege Palestinian journalists are being systematically targeted on the ground in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, with violence manifesting physically including beatings. Confirmed casualties include Husam Mubarak with Al Aqsa Radio, Issam Abdallah with Reuters, Ahmed Shehab with Sowt Al-Asra Radio, Saeed al-Taweel with Al-Khamsa News, and Ibrahim Mohammad Lafi with Ain Media. The UN has now called for a comprehensive investigation into the death of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, whose life was claimed in Southern Lebanon by an Israeli airstrike.
Journalists in conflict zones are protected under international law. According to Article 79 of Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions, journalists on perilous professional missions are defined as civilians and thus, any violence aimed towards them can be classified as a war crime. Notably, Israel is not a signatory of Protocol I, however, both Palestine and Lebanon are.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have historically been accused of causing casualties among journalists who cover the Palestine-Israel conflict. A CPJ report published in May alleged that at least 20 journalists have been killed by the Israeli military over the past 22 years, with no IDF soldiers being held accountable so far.
The recent surge of conflict between Palestine and Israel commenced on October 7. It began with hundreds of Israeli civilians being killed during ground and rocket assaults by Hamas, followed by retaliatory Israeli airstrikes claiming the lives of nearly 200 Palestinians. By October 8, Israel had declared war on Hamas. The conflict led to an unprecedented number of Palestinian refugees migrating to the Egyptian border only to find the border crossing destroyed by an Israeli airstrike, effectively trapping them in the Gaza Strip.
Allegations of war crimes have been levied against both Hamas and Israel by the UN commission with Human Rights Watch (HRW) following suit. HRW further claimed that Israel is illegally using white phosphorous munitions. The Associated Press has reported that since the declaration of war, over 3,000 Palestinians and Israelis have been killed in the ensuing conflict. AP details the startling figures.
These escalating conflicts and their devastating impact on journalists reflect the critical need for structures that protect journalists globally. They also provide a sobering reminder that the rights and safety of journalists should be an utmost concern during armed conflict scenarios. This global issue must prompt swift international intervention to ensure adherence to laws protecting civilians, including journalists.