Targeting Journalists: A New Level of War Crimes by the Zionist Entity in Lebanon
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor issued a statement today, asserting that the direct targeting of journalists by the Zionist entity constitutes a new war crime being committed in Lebanon. This comes after a series of systematic violations against groups protected under international law, particularly international humanitarian law.
According to the monitor, the occupying forces have targeted health and relief workers in Lebanon for over a year, resulting in the deaths of at least 121 medical and relief workers. Additionally, the temporary United Nations forces in Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) have been repeatedly attacked, leading to injuries to at least five of their personnel. In a tragic incident, Israeli forces recently targeted a residence for journalists in the Hasbaya area, resulting in the deaths of three journalists and injuries to three others.
The statement highlighted that the targeting of journalists was direct, as the location housing 18 journalists from seven different local and Arab media organizations was bombed in the early morning hours. Despite the presence of vehicles bearing press insignia in front of the building, the death toll of journalists killed by the occupying forces in Lebanon since the beginning of the assault on October 8, 2023, has risen to 11, with eight others injured.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor emphasized that journalists are entitled to protection during armed conflicts under international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols. Thus, they must be safeguarded from direct attacks, just like other civilians.
The monitor called on warring parties during armed conflicts to ensure the protection and safety of journalists, given their vital role in documenting armed conflicts and conveying information to the public. This transparency aids in exposing human rights violations that may occur during conflicts and serves as a means to hold perpetrators accountable while amplifying the voices of victims to the international community.
From an international humanitarian law perspective, the monitor noted that journalists are considered civilians as long as they are not directly participating in hostilities, and therefore should be protected from attacks since they do not pose a threat to warring parties. The laws of war aim to mitigate human suffering during conflicts, and ensuring the safety of journalists is part of this objective, as they are vital for documentation and transparency.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor reiterated that any violation of this principle and any direct targeting of journalists constitutes a war crime under international law. In conclusion, it called upon the international community to fulfill its obligations in monitoring and addressing violations of international laws, particularly international humanitarian law during armed conflicts, and to hold perpetrators of international crimes accountable, preventing impunity in respect for laws and humanity.
