By: Manoah Kikekon
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| College photos of journalists killed in Gaza war |
The United Nations has issued a stark condemnation following Israeli airstrikes that killed five Palestinian journalists at a hospital in Gaza, calling the escalating death toll a shock that must spur the world into action.
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) stated that the killing of these journalists brings the total number of media professionals killed in the conflict to a staggering 247.
The deadly strikes targeted the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza's largest medical facility, on Monday. OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan reported that a second strike appeared to target rescuers who had arrived at the scene of the initial attack.
At least 20 people died in the attacks, including four health workers and the five journalists. The journalists were identified as Ahed Abu Aziz, Hussam al-Masri, Mariam Dagga, Mohammed Salama, and Moaz Abu Taha, who worked for major outlets including the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and Middle East Eye.
“We know that one of the five journalists appears to have been killed in the first air strike, while three others, including the woman journalist, appear to have been killed in the second air strike. This is a shock, and this is unacceptable,” Mr. Al-Kheetan stated. He emphasized that these journalists serve as “the eyes and the ears of the whole world” and must be protected under international law.
The OHCHR spokesperson insisted that condemnation must now be channeled into a concrete demand for accountability. “This raises many, many questions about the targeting of journalists,” he said, stressing that all incidents must be independently investigated and those responsible held accountable.
While noting that Israeli authorities have carried out investigations as the occupying power, Al-Kheetan was clear: “But these investigations need to yield results. There needs to be justice. We haven’t seen results or accountability measures yet.”
The head of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, also condemned the killings, reiterating her call for all parties to respect the UN Security Council resolution on the protection of journalists in conflict zones. UNESCO is providing emergency assistance, including psychosocial support and equipment, to journalists remaining in the Gaza Strip.
In response to the international outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “tragic mishap” and promised that the Israeli military would conduct a “thorough investigation.”