International community criticizes the killing of journalists in Gaza, raising doubts about Israel's rationale for the actions
In the ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza, the killing of several journalists, including Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, has raised concerns among international bodies and press freedom advocates.
Israeli authorities accused al-Sharif of being a Hamas terrorist and claimed that he was leading a "terrorist cell" of the Palestinian Islamic movement. They also alleged that he was "responsible for continuous rocket attacks" against the military [2][3]. However, Israel has not provided clear public evidence to support these allegations.
These accusations remain unsubstantiated and have been strongly contested by UN experts and journalists. A UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression condemned the Israeli army’s threats and accusations against al-Sharif, stating there is growing evidence that Israeli forces have targeted and killed journalists in Gaza without credible proof that they were militants [1].
Regarding an independent investigation into journalists’ deaths in Gaza, there is no indication from the sources that a thorough, impartial investigation has been conducted or allowed, particularly by international bodies. The UN expert highlighted that Israel has refused entry to international journalists and obstructed coverage, making independent verification difficult [1]. Moreover, no credible independent inquiry outcomes have been reported in connection with the killing of al-Sharif or other journalists killed in Israeli strikes [3].
The European Union has condemned the assassination of five Al Jazeera journalists in an aerial attack in Gaza City [4]. EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas also made a statement after a video conference of EU foreign ministers, condemning the assassination of the Al Jazeera journalists [5]. Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, calls for an independent and impartial investigation into the targeted killings [6].
The Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused extensive damage and loss of life, with more than 61,000 deaths, the destruction of almost all of Gaza's infrastructure, and the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of people [7]. The Gaza government reported that six journalists were killed in an Israeli precision strike on Sunday night, including Anas al-Sharif, Mohamed al-Khalidi, and four other journalists from Al-Jazeera TV station [8].
Journalists and social media professionals must be respected, protected, and allowed to do their work freely, without fear or hindrance, as emphasized by the UN spokesperson [9]. Brussels noted Israel’s allegations, stating that clear evidence must be provided to avoid journalists being targeted [4]. Kaja Kallas urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, stating that while more aid is arriving, the needs remain much greater [5].
References:
- UN expert condemns Israeli threats against journalist Anas al-Sharif
- Israeli army accuses Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif of being a Hamas terrorist
- UN: Israel's killing of Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif may be a war crime
- EU condemns assassination of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza
- EU foreign ministers condemn killing of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza
- UN calls for independent probe into killing of Palestinian journalists in Gaza
- Israel's Gaza offensive: More than 61,000 deaths, destruction of almost all infrastructure
- Six journalists killed in Israeli strike on Gaza City
- UN condemns killing of Palestinian journalists in Gaza by Israel
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