GENEVA

The UN has criticized the Israeli military for deliberately targeting journalists in Gaza, saying that journalists must never be targeted while performing their duties of informing the public and contributing to accountability.

UN human rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan responded in writing to Anadolu's questions regarding Israel’s alleged deliberate and systematic targeting of journalists amid its ongoing attacks on Gaza.

“We are concerned by information strongly suggesting that Palestinian journalists in Gaza may have been directly targeted by the Israeli army while carrying out their work, which would constitute a war crime,” said Al-Kheetan.

He emphasized that journalists reporting from conflict zones are regarded and protected as civilians under international humanitarian law.

The number of journalists killed in Israel’s attacks on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, has risen to 211.

Despite a ceasefire that went into effect on Jan. 19, the Israeli military resumed heavy attacks on the morning of March 18.

“They must never be targeted as they carry out their missions of informing the public and contributing to accountability,” he stated.

Highlighting that deliberately attacking journalists constitutes a violation of the right to life under international humanitarian law, Al-Kheetan also pointed out that Israel’s refusal to allow foreign journalists into Gaza — except under limited and controlled circumstances — represents a serious violation of the right to access information.

He underscored that Israel is urgently obligated to fully comply with international humanitarian law during conflicts.

This includes upholding the principle of distinction between civilians and combatants, and taking all possible measures to protect civilians from attacks.

“Prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, and effective investigations must be carried out into all alleged serious violations by Israeli forces, with perpetrators held accountable and victims provided redress."

“Third states must exert their influence to prevent violations of international law by parties to the conflict in Gaza, refrain from enabling such violations, and fulfill their obligations under international law to take steps to prevent and punish breaches.”

He further emphasized that countries should cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to crimes committed by Israel and highlighted the importance of using universal jurisdiction in national courts to prosecute crimes under international law.