ALBAWABA - In an alarming turn of events, Israeli occupation's military offensive in the Gaza Strip has not only raised concerns about potential war crimes but has also seen an unprecedented targeting of journalists, surpassing the number of journalists killed during World War II in just a span of 55 days.
Tragedy Strikes AA's Cameraman in Gaza
In a recent the occupation airstrike, Muntasir al-Sawaf, a dedicated cameraman for AA on duty in Gaza, tragically lost his life.
Unveiling the Disturbing Pattern
Israel's consistent attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7 have not only resulted in civilian casualties but have also taken a toll on journalists and their families. This intentional targeting of journalists, who hold international immunity, is a clear violation of international humanitarian laws and raises concerns about potential war crimes.
RSF's Appeal to ICC
On November 1, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) made a significant move by filing an appeal to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate war crimes against journalists amidst the ongoing Israeli occupation violence in Palestine.
Israeli Occupation Forces' Controversial Statement
During the initial days of the attacks, Israeli occupation forces made a controversial statement, asserting their inability to guarantee the safety of journalists operating in the Gaza Strip. Moreover, on October 26, the Israeli occupation army imposed censorship on news related to Gaza, adding another layer of concern.
Exceeding World War II Journalist Casualties
The number of media members killed by Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip in approximately two months has now surpassed the number of journalists killed during World War II. This grim milestone places the current situation in the Gaza Strip on par with some of the bloodiest wars in modern history.
Journalists Targeted Globally
Comparatively, the toll of journalists in the Gaza offensive has now exceeded casualties in the Vietnam War, Korean War, and recent conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war.
Beyond targeting journalists, The Israeli occupation's offensive has also extended to the families of these media professionals. Residential spaces, including the homes of Anadolu Agency's Gaza photojournalist Ali Qadallah, have become deliberate targets, resulting in the loss of innocent lives.
Grim Reality Continues
As Israeli occupation resumes its attacks after a brief "humanitarian break," the toll continues to rise, with three more journalists, including AA's Muntasir al-Sawaf, losing their lives.
This troubling escalation in the Gaza offensive not only demands immediate global attention but also raises crucial questions about the safety and protection of journalists in conflict zones.
