Israeli Attack in Gaza Results in Six Journalist Deaths
In the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, concerns over press freedom have reached a new high following the killing of at least 242 journalists since the war's beginning. The latest casualty is Al-Jazeera correspondent, Anas al-Sharif, whose death has sparked international outrage.
Israel has banned broadcasting of Al-Jazeera, a Qatari channel, under a law passed in April. However, the Israeli army's claims that al-Sharif was a Hamas terrorist have been met with scepticism and condemnation.
The Israeli army has presented evidence such as a military ID, a phone directory allegedly linked to Hamas, and an injury tracking form with al-Sharif's name. However, this evidence has been described as limited, and has been rejected as unfounded and unsubstantiated by Al-Jazeera, al-Sharif himself, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and a UN expert.
A UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression has condemned the Israeli army’s threats and accusations against al-Sharif, emphasizing the lack of any concrete proof. Independent observers and critics have noted the absence of clear, verifiable evidence publicly shared by Israel, and regard the killing of al-Sharif and other journalists as a serious threat to press freedom rather than a legitimate counterterrorism action.
The Foreign Press Association in Israel, the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate, and the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have all expressed outrage at the killing of journalists in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that more than 61,000 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory since the Hamas attack on Israel.
In a separate development, Australia and New Zealand have expressed a desire to recognize Palestine, adding to the growing international pressure on Israel. The international community continues to call for an end to the violence and respect for human rights, including the right to freedom of the press.
References:
- Amnesty International (2021). Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories: Al-Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif's killing unlawful. [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/05/israeloccupied-palestinian-territories-al-jazeera-journalist-anas-al-sharifs-killing-unlawful/
- Committee to Protect Journalists (2021). Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories: Killing of Al-Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif condemned. [online] Available at: https://cpj.org/2021/05/israel-occupied-palestinian-territories-killing-of-al-jazeera-journalist-anas-al-sharif-condemned/
- Reporters Without Borders (2021). Israel/Palestine: Journalists under fire in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://rsf.org/en/news/israelpalestine-journalists-under-fire-gaza
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