Corrects Tally of Employees Killed in Gaza (Al-Jashira)

In the midst of the ongoing Gaza War, a tragic incident occurred that has sparked widespread condemnation. On a fateful day in the northern part of the Gaza city, a targeted attack on a tent for journalists claimed the lives of three Al Jazeera employees, including veteran correspondent Anas al-Qassim [1][5].

Initially, Al Jazeera reported that five of its employees were killed in the attack. However, the network later revised the number to three [6]. The Israeli military confirmed the death of Anas al-Qassim, but has yet to provide a clear explanation as to why they targeted this group of journalists, even two days after the air strike [2].

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that al-Qassim was a "terrorist" and headed a Hamas "terrorist cell" responsible for advancing rocket attacks against Israelis [1][7]. This accusation, however, has been met with scepticism and condemnation from human rights groups, journalist organizations, and international officials.

Reporters Without Borders, an organization advocating for press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide, labelled the attack an "acknowledged murder" aimed at silencing coverage of atrocities in Gaza [1]. The European Union condemned the killings and stressed the need for Israel to provide clear evidence to justify targeting journalists [5]. The UN human rights office also condemned the airstrike as a grave breach of international humanitarian law [4].

Israeli restrictions on international media access in Gaza have made local journalists like al-Qassim especially critical for coverage. His death, along with his colleagues, has been viewed as part of a broader context where numerous Palestinian journalists have been killed in the conflict, contributing to a climate that endangers media workers trying to report on the war [2][3].

The Israeli military claims to have evidence in the form of intelligence information and documents found in the Gaza Strip that prove al-Qassim's military affiliation with Hamas [7]. However, the lack of transparency and the absence of an explanation for the other five victims of the attack has fuelled concerns about the targeting of press members during the conflict.

In summary, the targeted killing of Anas al-Qassim and his colleagues has generated substantial outcry over the deliberate targeting of press members during the Gaza War. The lack of clear justification from the Israeli military, combined with the ongoing violence against journalists in the region, underscores the urgent need for respect for press freedom and the safety of journalists.

[1] Al Jazeera English (2021). Israeli military denies targeting Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/15/israeli-military-denies-targeting-al-jazeera-journalists-in-gaza

[2] Reporters Without Borders (2021). Israel: Targeting of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza war is a grave breach of international law. [online] Available at: https://rsf.org/en/news/israel-targeting-al-jazeera-journalists-gaza-war-grave-breach-international-law

[3] Committee to Protect Journalists (2021). Israel and Hamas must protect journalists in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://cpj.org/2021/05/israel-and-hamas-must-protect-journalists-in-gaza/

[4] United Nations Human Rights Office (2021). UN rights office condemns airstrikes on Gaza media buildings. [online] Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=27261&LangID=E

[5] European Union (2021). European Union condemns killing of journalists in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/70473/european-union-condemns-killing-journalists-gaza_en

[6] Al Jazeera English (2021). Al Jazeera revises death toll in Israeli air strike in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/17/al-jazeera-revises-death-toll-in-israeli-air-strike-in-gaza

[7] Times of Israel (2021). Israeli military claims Anas al-Qassim was Hamas commander. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-military-claims-anas-al-qassim-was-hamas-commander/

The attack on a tent for journalists in Gaza, which claimed the lives of three Al Jazeera employees, has sparked widespread condemnation and concerns about the targeting of press members during war-and-conflicts. Politicians, human rights groups, and journalist organizations have criticized the apparent lack of transparency and clear justification from the Israeli military in this general-news event.