World Press Freedom Canada condemns the Israeli Defense Forces’ killing of journalists in Gaza and welcomes the Media Freedom Coalition statement that calls for an end to attacks on media workers and prosecution of those responsible.

On Aug. 25, Israeli airstrikes hit Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Journalist Hussam Al-Masri, a Reuters contractor; Al Jazeera camera operator Mohammed Salama; Mariam Abu Dagga, freelance photojournalist with Independent Arabia and the Associated Press; freelance journalist Ahmed Abu Aziz, who contributes to Quds Feed; and freelance video journalist Moaz Abu Taha, were among at least 20 people killed in two Israeli strikes on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza

The attack came two weeks after six journalists were killed and two others injured by a targeted strike on a tent used by media near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. 

The Committee to Protect Journalists has documented at least 197 journalists and media workers killed during the war, including 189 Palestinian workers killed by Israel in Gaza. The CPJ says Israel is clearly targeting journalists to shut down coverage of the dire situation for civilians in Gaza, in violation of international law.

In a statement, the Media Freedom Coalition condemned the violence against journalists and other media workers in Gaza, noting the “extremely high number of casualties, arrests and detentions.” Canada is a founding member of the international group and sits on its executive committee.

WPFC urges the Media Freedom Coalition to follow up on its statement with further diplomatic action aimed at ending the IDF’s attacks on journalists and ensuring the Israeli government allows immediate access for foreign journalists into Gaza and affords them the protection as required under UN resolutions.

The United Nations resolution 2222, adopted by the Security Council in 2015, says journalists working in conflict zones shall be “considered as civilians and shall be respected and protected as such.”

In a letter released to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, editors from Associated Press and Reuters expressed outrage over the attack and demanded a full and independent investigation of the attack on the journalists, saying IDF cannot be trusted to conduct its own probe. 

In a statement, the IDF said it “does not target journalists as such.”

WPFC calls on all parties to armed conflict to respect UN resolutions which require combatants not to target, and indeed, to protect civilians, including journalists.