World Voices Outrage Over Gaza Journalists’ Killing

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- Global condemnation mounted Monday over the killing of journalists in Gaza, after an Israeli airstrike hit a tent sheltering media workers near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

International news agencies reported that the strike killed six journalists, including Al Jazeera correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohamed Qraiqea, and wounded others.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is “gravely concerned” about the repeated targeting of journalists in Gaza, his spokesperson said, as reported by Reuters, following the incident which left multiple reporters dead.

The UN human rights office condemned the killings, describing the attack as a “grave breach” of international humanitarian law, according to Anadolu Agency (AA).

“We condemn the killing by Israeli military of six Palestinian journalists by targeting their tent, in grave breach of international humanitarian law. Israel must respect and protect all civilians, including journalists,” the office said on X.

AA said the journalists were killed when the Israeli army struck a tent near Al-Shifa Hospital in western Gaza City.

It added that at least 242 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since Oct 7, 2023, and called for immediate, safe and unhindered access to Gaza for all journalists.

The Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) also strongly condemned the attack, calling it part of Israel’s systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists in Gaza and across the occupied territories, WAFA reported.

The ASBU urged press, media and human rights organisations to condemn the killings, and praised the courage of Gaza journalists who continue working despite the risks.

Palestinian Vice President and PLO Deputy Chairman Hussein al-Sheikh likewise condemned the targeting of media crews, calling it a war crime and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, WAFA added.

He urged the international community and institutions concerned with press freedom to take urgent action to hold Israel accountable.

European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said she was “horrified” by the killing of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, RIA Novosti reported.

“Horrified to learn of the killing of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, including reporter Anas Al Sharif. A direct hit on freedom of the press. Since Oct. 2023, at least 186 journalists have been killed. Civilians must be protected, access secured and the press safeguarded. Always,” she wrote on X.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also condemned the strike, describing it as a targeted attack by the Israeli army on a tent sheltering Al Jazeera reporter Anas al-Sharif and other media workers, RIA Novosti said.

“We strongly condemn the assassination of Al Jazeera reporter Anas al-Sharif by the Israeli army in a targeted strike on a tent sheltering him near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, which killed five other media professionals and wounded three others,” RSF said on social media.

-- BERNAMA