The Society of Editors has said that it is appalled by the deaths of five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza following a targeted Israeli strike near Gaza City’s Al-Shifa hospital.
The deaths of the journalists, including prominent Palestinian reporter Anas al-Sharif, were confirmed following an Israeli strike that reportedly targeted a tent housing journalists outside al-Shifa hospital on Sunday night. Al Jazeera confirmed that seven people were killed in the attack including al-Sharif as well as its correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa.
Following the attack the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it had targeted al-Sharif, alleging that he had “served as the head of a terrorist cell in Hamas” something which the Qatar-based broadcaster has vehemently denied.
Responding to the attack, Dawn Alford, Chief Executive of the Society of Editors said: “The Society is absolutely appalled by the deaths of Anas al-Sharif and his colleagues in Gaza who appear to have been deliberately targeted while reporting from within Gaza city.
“Journalism is not a crime. It is a fundamental pillar of democracy and accountability,
particularly in times of conflict. The deliberate targeting of journalists is abhorrent and reporters must be free to carry out their vital role without the threat of violence or intimidation. The international community must stand up and condemn these actions. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the journalists killed as well as their colleagues at Al Jazeera.”
The Society’s statement comes only a week after the UK-based press freedom organisation called on the Israeli government to immediately respect the freedom of movement of journalists in and out of Gaza following widespread reports that many face the imminent threat of starvation. Israel continues to prevent international journalists from entering Gaza with more than 1,000 journalists last week signing a petition urging an end to Gaza’s ‘information blackout’.
Photo: Anas al-Sharif, Al Jazeera
