Hundreds of journalists and others gathered at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Thursday to mourn the deaths of three colleagues killed in an Israeli strike the previous day.
Journalists Killed in Strike
The three journalists – Abdul Raouf Shaath, Mohammed Salah Qashta, and Anas Ghneim – were killed by a strike the Israeli military said targeted “suspects” operating a drone. Shaath was a regular contributor to AFP. Mourners performed an Islamic funeral prayer for the deceased.
Ibrahim Qannan, a veteran journalist present at the hospital, stated, “Today we are witnessing a systematic execution by the Israeli occupation forces of our colleagues.” Samir Shaath, the father of Abdul Raouf Shaath, whose nickname was Abed, said his son “loved journalism and held it in high esteem because it documents the truth.”
The Israeli military maintains it does not deliberately target journalists, but has acknowledged the deaths of press professionals it accused of being members of armed groups. Israel is not a signatory to Article 79 of the Geneva Conventions, which stipulates that journalists in war zones should be treated as civilians and protected as such, provided they do not participate in hostilities.
The military stated on Wednesday it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the strike and, as of Thursday, had no further comment. This incident follows a similar event last August, when five Palestinian journalists, including one working with the Associated Press, were killed in strikes on a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Israeli military say about the strike?
The Israeli military said the strike targeted “suspects” operating a drone and that they are looking into the circumstances of the deaths of the three journalists.
How many journalists have been killed since October 2023?
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), nearly 220 journalists have been killed in the Palestinian territory since Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel.
What is Article 79 of the Geneva Conventions?
Article 79 of the Geneva Conventions states that journalists in war zones must be treated as civilians and protected as such, provided they play no part in the hostilities. Israel is not a signatory to this article.
What impact will the loss of these journalists have on the reporting of events in Gaza?
