Qatar Demands Investigation into Journalist Killings in Gaza
Qatari Diplomat Calls for Protection of Journalists in the Wake of Gaza Attacks
Abdullah en-Nime, a Secretary of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar, recently addressed the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, focusing on the urgent need to protect journalists in conflict zones.
During his speech, Nime highlighted the devastating impact of the ongoing violence in Gaza, revealing that over 130 journalists have been killed since October 7, 2023. Additionally, 16 journalists have been injured, 4 have disappeared, and 25 have been detained in the region.
Expressing concern over the escalating violence, Nime emphasized, “These numbers are likely to increase. These are the biggest losses for journalists in the history of modern wars.” He called for swift, independent investigations to hold those responsible for these violations and crimes fully accountable.
According to reports from the Gaza government, a total of 133 journalists have lost their lives in the attacks carried out by the Israeli army since October 7, 2023. Among the victims was AA cameraman Muntasir al-Sawwaf, who was killed in an Israeli air strike on Gaza on December 1, 2023.
The current conflict in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a series of attacks on Israel in response to perceived violations against Palestinians and sacred sites. The subsequent violence has resulted in a devastating toll, with thousands of casualties on both sides.
Despite a brief humanitarian pause in the conflict, which saw the release of some prisoners on both sides, the situation remains dire. The violence has not only claimed the lives of journalists in Gaza but also led to further casualties in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and along the border between Israel and Hezbollah.
As the international community grapples with the fallout of these attacks, calls for the protection of journalists and accountability for those responsible continue to grow. It is imperative that all parties involved work towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and safeguard the rights of journalists operating in conflict zones.
