Sydney, Aug 15 (The Conversation) The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a New York-based media freedom organization, chooses its words with precision. So, when it referred to the killing of six Palestinian journalists in an Israeli air strike as "murder," it was a deliberate choice. The CPJ defines "murder" as the "deliberate killing of journalists for their work."
Why were the journalists targeted? Israeli authorities said they aimed to target Anas al-Sharif, a 28-year-old Al Jazeera reporter accused of being a leader of a Hamas "cell" and advancing rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and troops. Israel made no claims about the other five journalists who were killed; three were al-Sharif's Al Jazeera colleagues, and the other two were freelance journalists.
In a post on social media platform X, an Israeli military spokesman stated, "Prior to the strike, we obtained current intelligence indicating that Sharif was an active Hamas military wing operative at the time of his elimination." The evidence provided was largely circumstantial, consisting of "personnel rosters, lists of terrorist training courses, phone directories, and salary documents." Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee also posted undated photos on X displaying al-Sharif in an embrace with Yahya Sinwar, the alleged Hamas mastermind of the October 2023 attack on Israel.
Israel claims to have further classified evidence that provides more critical details. Without access to all evidence, verifying these claims remains challenging, and a photograph alone does not suffice as proof. Front-line journalists, including myself, often have photos with interview subjects, some of whom may be undesirable figures. Many reporters also possess phone numbers of extremists in their contacts and call logs. Such evidence only indicates that a journalist is well-connected and performing their job.
Although Israel may be correct regarding al-Sharif's alleged affiliations, the Israeli authorities should allow independent investigators unrestricted access to verify their claims and clarify the situation.
The dangers of covering war This incident highlights a worrying trend. With 190 media workers killed since the October 7 attacks, this conflict is the deadliest for journalists since the CPJ began recording data. Although some casualties among media workers are the result of being caught in the crossfire alongside civilians, numerous cases involve rocket strikes on journalists' homes, marked vehicles, or press-labeled body armor. The CPJ has documented 24 journalists who seemed to be specifically targeted—classified as "murdered"—for conducting their work. The actual number may be higher, and these statistics raise critical questions about Israel's stance on media that challenges its views, warranting investigation by independent bodies.
Amidst ongoing reports from Gaza, Israel typically dismisses them as Hamas propaganda. "A terrorist is a terrorist, even if Al Jazeera gives him a press badge," the Israeli foreign ministry posted on social media. If Israel regards Palestinian journalism as mere propaganda, a logical solution would be to allow foreign correspondents into the area.
The need for journalistic access It's important to remember the essence of media freedom: it ensures public access to accurate and independent reporting, which is crucial for informed debate. Without it, the public remains unaware and uninformed.
Although international news organizations have tirelessly advocated for access to Gaza, and over 1,000 international journalists have signed a petition demanding entry (including myself), Israel has yet to relent. The government cites security concerns in a war zone as justification, but this alone does not suffice. The petition's signers are aware of the risks of reporting in hostile settings. Many have crossed active war fronts, lost friends in conflicts, or have themselves experienced capture or injury, remaining dedicated to media freedom principles.
Allowing foreign journalists into Gaza does not undermine the sacrifices of Anas al-Sharif and other Palestinian journalists who have perished while working. Rather, it emphasizes the universal right to information, vital not only in Gaza but also in Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, and everywhere accurate information is needed for effective policy-making. (The Conversation)
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