The Israeli military has opened an investigation into a civilian-minimizing airstrike last week. This extremely tragic incident directly resulted in the deaths of five journalists, including Hussam al-Masri and Mariam Abu Dagga. The strike, which targeted a hospital position in Gaza, raised significant concerns regarding the military’s operational decision-making processes and the safety of journalists operating in conflict zones.
Yet, for several weeks, the hospital position was egged on by Israeli forces attack it, subjecting it to daily airstrikes. They’ve threatened to kill Hamas and Islamic Jihad members – a promise the military used to announce this week’s killings. In return, they gave IM photos of six people they think are connected to these networks. The military defended the strike as necessary to neutralize threats to U.S. forces from these purported militants.
Over the course of these operations, Hussam al-Masri was shot dead while wearing a clearly marked press vest. He had been freelance for Reuters for a year and was doing a playful portrait with a new helmet when he was killed. The strike also claimed the lives of other journalists: Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelancer for the Associated Press; Mohammed Salama from Al Jazeera; Moaz Abu Taha, who worked with various news organizations; and Ahmed Abu Aziz, a journalist for Middle East Eye. Moreover, Hatem Khaled, a Reuters contractor and photographer, was injured in the explosion.
In response to the shocking killings of journalists, Reuters and the Associated Press both moved. To their credit, they reached out to Israeli officials to explain the context of these deaths.
“We can confirm that the Reuters and AP journalists were not a target of the strike,” – Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani
This statement has been rightly critiqued from all sides as the military’s murderous actions have released echoes of the most urgent call for accountability. The Israeli military said it was “sorrowful” over civilian deaths.
“At the same time, the Chief of the General Staff regrets any harm caused to civilians,” – Israeli military statement
The inquiry will address several critical issues:
“Firstly, a further examination of the authorisation process prior to the strike, including the ammunition approved for the strike and the timing of the authorisation,” – Israeli military statement
“Secondly, an examination of the decision-making process in the field.” – Israeli military statement
The deaths of these journalists have sparked widespread concern about their safety and the challenges faced by media professionals in conflict regions. As we wrote at Reuters and AP, transparency was key here.
“These journalists were present in their professional capacity, doing critical work bearing witness. Their work is especially vital in light of Israel’s nearly two-year ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza,” – Reuters and AP
As the investigation continues, many around the world will closely watch how the Israeli military addresses these credible accusations. Beyond the precedent set here, they will seek a commitment to further actions that will protect journalists in future operations. The incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding media safety in conflict zones and raises questions about the protocols in place to safeguard those who report from such areas.
“We hope this probe will be quick, thorough and provide clear answers. These deaths demand urgent and transparent accountability,” – Reuters and AP
As the inquiry unfolds, many will be watching to see how the Israeli military addresses these serious allegations and whether it takes steps to ensure the protection of journalists in future operations. The incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding media safety in conflict zones and raises questions about the protocols in place to safeguard those who report from such areas.
