Al Jazeera Media Network formally petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the killing of five of their journalists in Gaza City by Israeli airstrike on August 10, referring it as an act of deliberate assassination and violation of international law. This attack targeted a media tent near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and resulted in Anas Al-Sharif’s nephew studying journalism who also died as well as five prominent correspondents such as Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa all perished due to this incident. Wikipedia Al Jazeera has assembled a joint legal team consisting of international legal experts to compile a dossier for submission to the International Criminal Court prosecutor, alleging that their journalists were targeted while performing their duties and that this attack is part of an overall pattern targeting media professionals in Gaza. Al Jazeera; Reuters and The Guardian will all make submissions. Wikipedia The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed their strike, alleging Al-Sharif was actually an agent from Hamas posing as journalist. Al Jazeera and independent media watchdogs have dismissed these allegations, demanding credible proof to back them up. International organizations including the UN strongly condemned this incident as violating international law and have widely denounced this attack as well. (Wikipedia/Pedia) Wikipedia This incident adds to a long list of attacks against journalists in Gaza. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 79 journalists and media workers have been killed since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023, while Reporters Without Borders has filed multiple complaints with the International Criminal Court alleging war crimes for over 100 journalists killed there – time, Jurist, RSF and Anadolu Ajansi all filed complaints that call for investigations. TIME + 1 JURIST +6 RSF +6 TIME +6 JURIST +6 Reporters Without Borders +6 Reporters Without Borders +6 Reporters Without Borders +6 Anadolu Ajansi RSF has highlighted the urgency of these investigations due to a recent rise in attacks against journalists in Gaza. ReliefWeb and The Guardian both confirm this information while JURIST confirms it further. Al Jazeera’s decision to refer the case to the International Criminal Court shows its commitment to seeking justice for its fallen colleagues and holding accountable those responsible. This referral could have far-reaching repercussions for press freedom worldwide and journalist safety during conflict zones worldwide, according to The Guardian. +11 in totality.
