The ongoing conflict in Gaza has highlighted a disturbing trend of attacks against journalists and media outlets, with Al Jazeera being at the forefront of those affected. Since the escalation of violence last October, following a cross-border attack by Hamas, Israel's military response has resulted in significant casualties among journalists and the destruction of media infrastructure.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), over 110 journalists and media personnel, including four from Al Jazeera, have lost their lives due to Israeli strikes.
Palestinian authorities report an even higher figure, with 173 journalists killed and more than 190 injured since the start of the Israeli onslaught.
International Outcry and UN Security Council Address
The United Nations Security Council has been urged to address these violations of press freedom. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, in his address to the UNSC, condemned the violence against journalists, emphasizing that these actions are meant to prevent the world from witnessing the atrocities committed in Gaza and Lebanon. Muizzu highlighted the critical role of journalists in reporting the conflict and the need for international protection under UN Resolution 2222, which aims to protect journalists in conflict zones.
Al Jazeera Under Attack
Al Jazeera has been a primary target in Israel's efforts to silence media coverage of the conflict. Israeli forces recently raided the network's Ramallah office, ordering its closure for 45 days. This move was justified by Israeli authorities as necessary due to allegations that Al Jazeera's broadcasts incite violence and support "terrorism," claims that Al Jazeera has vehemently denied as "baseless" and "dangerous".
The closure of Al Jazeera's offices and the targeting of its journalists have been widely criticized by organizations advocating for press freedom. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to address Israel's violations of Resolution 2222, which protects journalists in conflict zones.
Investigative Findings
A collaborative investigation involving international media outlets, including Forbidden Stories, AFP, and the Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism group (ARIJ), has shed light on the circumstances behind the killings of more than 100 Palestinian journalists and media workers. The investigation found that even wearing press vests did not protect journalists, with some being targeted by drone strikes while clearly identified as members of the press.
Humanitarian Crisis and Global Response
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 41,500 people killed and more than 96,000 injured, according to local health authorities. The Israeli blockade has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, displacing almost the entire population of the territory.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has criticized the United States for its diplomatic support of Israel's military actions, accusing Washington of facilitating the ongoing violence by vetoing UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire. Abbas emphasized the need for international intervention to stop the conflict and proposed a 12-point plan for Gaza's future, including a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the establishment of Palestinian governance.
Calls for Accountability
The international community has been called upon to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The Maldives President's address to the UNSC underscored the need for the removal of veto powers held by the council's five permanent members to ensure effective intervention in conflicts like the one in Gaza. The CPJ and other organizations have echoed these calls, highlighting the critical importance of protecting journalists and ensuring that those responsible for violations of press freedom are held accountable.
In conclusion, the targeting of journalists and media outlets, particularly Al Jazeera, during the Gaza conflict represents a grave threat to press freedom and the ability of the world to be informed about critical events. The international community must take decisive action to protect journalists and ensure that those responsible for these violations are brought to justice.
