Israeli airstrike kills five Al Jazeera journalists, prompting outcry over press freedom
Image: AFP
The deliberate Israeli airstrike that killed five Al Jazeera journalists near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City has sent shockwaves through the global journalism community, highlighting the growing dangers faced by reporters covering conflict zones.
Among those killed were correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, along with camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa. The Israeli military has admitted to 'deliberately killing' al-Sharif and four other staff members in the strike, a claim that has intensified calls for justice and accountability worldwide.
According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli military admitted to "deliberately killing" al-Sharif and four other staff members in the strike.
It is believed that the journalists had been threatened for months before the incident.
Before his untimely death, Israeli authorities accused al-Sharif of being affiliated with Hamas's military wing and of 'advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and troops,' claiming to have 'unequivocal proof' in the form of documents, claims that remain contested amid the ongoing conflict.
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According to Al Jazeera, the team was stationed in a tent near the main gate of Gaza City's al-Shifa Hospital late on Sunday evening. This tent served as their workspace, as journalists in Gaza have often gathered at hospitals to access more reliable electricity and internet, a practice well-known since the start of Israel's war on Gaza.
In what is widely seen as a direct assault on press freedom, at least 242 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Both local and international organisations have strongly denounced the deliberate attacks on media personnel.
The South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) condemned the actions as deplorable and a grave attack on press freedom and human rights.
The organisation said it has, on numerous occasions, unequivocally condemned the brutality of the Israeli military in specifically targeting journalists and systematically denying other international journalists the ability to report live from Gaza.
"This pattern of behaviour is a grave threat to the public's right to information."
SANEF appeals to international organisations and governments to intensify efforts and compel an immediate halt to violence against journalists.
"Guarantee their safety, and hold accountable those responsible for these heinous crimes. The world relies on journalists to bear witness and report the truth, and their protection must be paramount," the organisation stated.
In a similar vein, the Press Council of South Africa has previously condemned the actions as serious violations of international law and fundamental human rights, and called for global support of the UN and other international bodies to ensure accountability.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has also condemned the deliberate targeting of journalists, stressing the vital importance of their work in delivering news from conflict zones.
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