1 August 2014<\/p>\n
PEN International Condemns Killings of Journalists and Attacks on Media during Israeli Offensive in Gaza
\n![\"gaza\"](\"http:\/\/www.pen-international.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/gaza.jpg\")
\nSince 8 July 2014, when the Israel Defence Force (IDF) began \u2018Operation Protective Edge,\u2019 Israeli forces have reportedly killed seven journalists and media workers.
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\nPEN International condemns the killings and the reported deliberate targeting of certain journalists, media organizations and their infrastructures that have taken place during Israel\u2019s offensive in Gaza. <\/p>\n
\u201cFreedom of expression has an invaluable role to play in time of war,\u201d said John Ralston Saul, president of PEN International. \u201cOnly through a wide spectrum of reporting can the public come to understand and form opinions on what is happening.\u201d<\/p>\n
This wide spectrum of reporting is dependent upon the ability of journalists and writers to function in conflict situations. All governments are obliged to ensure that journalists are afforded their right to protection as civilians in a war zone.<\/p>\n
Since 8 July 2014, when the Israel Defence Force (IDF) began \u2018Operation Protective Edge,\u2019 Israeli forces have reportedly killed seven journalists and media workers and wounded another fifteen, six of whom were reporting on protests in the West Bank.<\/p>\n
The most recent killings occurred on 29 July, when \u2013 in separate attacks \u2013 the IDF struck the home of Ezzat Abu Duhair, a young correspondent with the Al-Huriya Media Network; he and four members of his family were killed. That same day, Bha\u2019a al Graieb, the manager of the Hebrew news department of Palestine TV was killed by an aerial strike whilst taking his daughter to a hospital in Rafah City.<\/p>\n
Media outlets have also been attacked or destroyed during the bombardment, including the offices of the National Media Agency, the offices of Wattan Radio station, the offices of Aljazeera TV and three offices belonging to the Hamas Al-Aqsa TV channel and radio station.<\/p>\n
Israel has issued a press release saying that it would not accept responsibility for injury to journalists or damage to equipment suffered during reporting from the field.<\/p>\n
International journalists can often alert the IDF to their positions \u2013 and so avoid some danger. Not all Palestinian journalists have the means to do this.<\/p>\n
The fact that some media serve as propaganda tools does not justify making them a military target. The deliberate targeting of journalists and media outlets is a violation of international law and denies reporters their right to protection as civilians in a war zone.<\/p>\n
For more information contact Sahar Halaimzai, Communications and Campaigns Manager: sahar.halaimzai@pen-international.org +44 (0) 207 405 0338<\/p>\n
– See more at: http:\/\/www.pen-international.org\/newsitems\/pen-international-condemns-killings-of-journalists-and-attacks-on-media-during-israeli-offensive-in-gaza<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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