ICSPR The Assassination of Five Journalists in Gaza is an Intentional War Crime that Requires Immediate International Accountability
Date: August 11, 2025
Press Release
ICSPR The Assassination of Five Journalists in Gaza is an Intentional War Crime that Requires Immediate International Accountability
The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (ICSPR) strongly condemns the heinous crime committed by an Israeli drone, which targeted the journalists’ tent in front of the Shifa Medical Complex gate. This attack led to the assassination of journalists Anas Al-Sharif and Muhammad Qariqa, Al Jazeera correspondents, along with Ibrahim Taher, Moamen Aliwa, and the crew driver Muhammad Nofal. Additionally, the martyrdom of Anas Al-Sharif’s nephew, Musab, and the injury of several other journalists and civilians occurred.
The Commission points out that these journalists, especially Anas Al-Sharif, had previously been subjected to incitement and direct death threats by the Israeli authorities due to their role in documenting and exposing the crimes of genocide, systematic starvation, and other grave violations committed by the occupying forces against civilians in Gaza.
With their martyrdom, the number of journalists killed during the ongoing genocide rises to 237, confirming the Israeli authorities’ determination to target witnesses and prevent independent media coverage, in an attempt to obscure the truth and cover up their crimes, including the imminent reoccupation of Gaza.
ICSPR affirms that targeting journalists is a war crime under the provisions of international humanitarian law, particularly Article 79 of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, which provides special protection for journalists during armed conflicts. It is also a grave violation of the UN Security Council’s resolution to protect journalists during armed conflicts. ICSPR emphasizes that the continued targeting of journalists in Gaza is not only an assault on their lives and their right to life, but also a direct attack on press freedom and the right of peoples to access information. Therefore, the Commission demands:
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The international community and the United Nations to assume their legal and moral responsibilities in halting Israeli crimes, and to activate international protection mechanisms for civilians and journalists in the occupied Palestinian territories.
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The High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfill their obligations and exercise their jurisdiction to prosecute those responsible for committing this crime, as it constitutes both a war crime and a crime against humanity.
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The International Criminal Court to expedite investigations and legal action against political and military leaders in the occupying state who issued orders or participated in targeting journalists.
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The urgent need for international protection for journalists and media outlets in Gaza, enabling them to carry out their professional duties in covering events and conveying the truth to the world.
