The United Nations has raised alarm after five more Palestinian journalists were killed in Gaza, bringing the overall death toll of media workers to 247 since the conflict began. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said the killings should serve as a wake-up call for the international community to demand accountability.
OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said condemnation of the latest strikes on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis should no longer stop at words. “Condemnation needs to be channelled into a demand for accountability and justice for all those killed,” he stressed.
The two strikes on southern Gaza’s largest medical facility left at least 20 people dead, including four health workers and five journalists. The journalists were later identified as Ahed Abu Aziz, Hussam al-Masri, Mariam Dagga, Mohammed Salama, and Moaz Abu Taha. They were working with international and regional outlets, including Al Jazeera, Reuters, the Associated Press, and Middle East Eye.
Calls Grow For Global Accountability
Footage from the aftermath shows a second strike targeting rescuers who had rushed to the site of the initial blast.
“We know that one of the five journalists appears to have been killed in the first air strike while three others including the women journalist appear to have been killed in the second air strike. This is a shock and this is unacceptable.”
Mr. Thameen Al-Kheetan
Mr. Al-Kheetan emphasized that 247 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, underscoring their indispensable role.
“These journalists are the eyes and the ears of the whole world and they must be protected…This raises many, many questions about the targeting of journalists and all of these incidents must absolutely be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable.”
Mr. Thameen Al-Kheetan
Al-Kheetan noted that OHCHR is still verifying the facts surrounding the attacks but insisted that both journalists and hospitals are protected under international law.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, also condemned the killings. She reminded all parties of their obligations under UN Security Council resolution 2222, which was adopted in 2015 to protect journalists and media workers in conflict zones. “Respect for this resolution is non-negotiable,” she said.
Azoulay further explained that UNESCO is providing emergency support to journalists in Gaza, including psychosocial aid, equipment, and training opportunities to help them continue reporting under dangerous conditions.
Investigations Yet To Deliver Justice
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the incident by expressing regret, describing it as a “tragic mishap.” He said the Israeli military would conduct “a thorough investigation.” But the OHCHR spokesperson voiced skepticism about such inquiries.
“Israeli authorities have carried out investigations in the past, as the occupying power. But these investigations need to yield results. There needs to be justice. We haven’t seen results or accountability measures yet.”
Mr. Thameen Al-Kheetan
The mounting toll of journalists killed in Gaza has renewed pressure on global institutions and governments to push for greater protections. As the conflict grinds on, human rights advocates say words of regret or condemnation must translate into concrete action, accountability, and respect for international law.
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