Geneva - SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties stated that 38 Palestinian journalists have been killed during the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which is now entering its 26th day. The organization called on the international community to take action and pressure Israel to halt its aggression and targeting of journalists, and to ensure their rights as guaranteed by international agreements and treaties of international law.
In a statement issued by the organization, coinciding with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which falls on November 2nd of each year, it expressed deep concern and disappointment over the escalating violations committed against journalists and media workers in conflict zones, particularly in the Palestinian territories. The organization highlighted the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has resulted in the death of thousands of civilians, including journalists, and emphasized that targeting them constitutes a grave violation of their rights as stipulated in international law.
In a statement released on Thursday, "Sam" highlighted that the documented numbers of violations against journalists in Gaza reflect the deliberate targeting by the Israeli army. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate announced on Tuesday an increase in the number of journalists and media workers killed as a result of the ongoing war waged by Israel on Gaza since October 7th, reaching a total of 38 journalists.
The syndicate stated in a Facebook post, "Since October 7, 2023, 25 Palestinian journalists and 13 media workers have been martyred as a result of the Israeli army's bombardment." They further added, "At least 35 journalists' homes were targeted, resulting in the deaths of dozens of their family members, including the deliberate targeting of the family of journalist Wael al-Dahdouh, a correspondent for Al Jazeera. This attack led to the killing of his wife, two of his children, and his youngest grandson."
The syndicate stated in a Facebook post, "Since October 7, 2023, 25 Palestinian journalists and 13 media workers have been martyred as a result of the Israeli army's bombardment." They further added, "At least 35 journalists' homes were targeted, resulting in the deaths of dozens of their family members, including the deliberate targeting of the family of journalist Wael al-Dahdouh, a correspondent for Al Jazeera. This attack led to the killing of his wife, two of his children, and his youngest grandson."
Several members of journalist al-Dahdouh's family, including his wife, daughter, son, and grandson, were killed in an airstrike that took place on the evening of Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, on one of the houses they had sought refuge in. Meanwhile, many other family members remained trapped under the rubble due to delays in rescue and recovery operations resulting from the limited resources in the Gaza Strip, exacerbated by the 17-year-long blockade imposed on Gaza.
It should be noted that Israel's targeting of journalists is part of a long series of deliberate attacks against them, which have included the killing of Palestinian journalists and the prevention of their journalistic duties. Since the year 2000 until October 7th, 2023, the Israeli army has killed more than 55 Palestinian journalists, including the martyr journalist Sherine Abu Akla in May 2022.
"Sam" emphasized that during its aggression, the Israeli army did not only target journalists and their families directly, but it also deprived most journalists of reporting on the events taking place inside the Gaza Strip. This was achieved by cutting off all means of communication with Gaza, including landlines, internet, mobile phones, and telecommunications. Communication remains limited and subject to disruption and interference, allowing Israel to carry out its massacres and target civilians away from international scrutiny.
Tawfiq al-Humaidi, the president of the SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties, stated that "the ongoing targeting of journalists, especially those working in the Gaza Strip, and the international community's and relevant organizations' turning a blind eye to the violations against journalists in Palestinian territories have greatly emboldened Israel in its violations and oppressive practices, as there is no real accountability."
He further added, "It is essential for journalists present in Palestinian territories to feel that there are international entities ensuring their ability to carry out their work and fulfill their roles without being targeted, threatened, or obstructed. This cannot be achieved without real monitoring and follow-up by international organizations and individuals regarding this matter."
"SAM" affirms that the practices it observes against journalists and media professionals in conflict zones, especially in Palestinian territories, demonstrate the deliberate targeting and assault by the Israeli army to deter journalists from carrying out their work. It emphasizes that such practices seriously violate the principles of international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Geneva Conventions, and other regulations that guarantee individuals the freedom to gather and disseminate information, and to cover news without restriction or persecution.
In conclusion, the SAM organization concluded its statement by calling on Israel to cease its military aggression on the Gaza Strip, halt its unjustifiable violations, and work towards enabling journalists and media professionals to carry out their duties and roles without being targeted or persecuted.
SAM also emphasized the necessity for the international community to take action and exert real pressure on Israel to ensure the respect for the rules of international law, which grant full protection and freedom to these groups in carrying out their work. It called for efforts to ensure that soldiers involved in violations against journalists are held accountable, not allowed to escape punishment, and to establish a deterrent against those who violate the rights of journalists.