Palestine: Israeli forces target journalists during Jenin raid
NUJ joins the International Federation of Journalists in condemning the deliberate targeting of journalists by Israeli snipers.
On 3 July, Isam Abu Shaqra and Isam Al Rimawi from Anadolu agency and Abdulrahman Younis from Russia Today alongside several other journalists, were targeted as they reported on military action. All wore safety equipment clearly marked ‘press’ but remained under fire by Israeli officers.
Soldiers shot at Amid Shehadeh, Al-Araby TV reporter and cameraman Rabi Munir's camera and transmitter as they reported live inside the camp. Shooting did not cease until equipment was blown up in the attack; journalists were eventually escorted via ambulance to safety by the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
At least 10 Palestinians have been killed since Israel started its large scale operation in the Jenin refugee camp located in the northern occupied West Bank. Three thousand people have been evacuated with hundreds injured.
Ali Al-Samoudi, Palestinian journalist, reporting from Jenin, said:
"We are facing grave threats to our lives. It is clear that there was a decision from occupying forces to prevent journalists from covering what was happening in the camp."
Samoudi was targeted by Israeli forces in May 2022 when soldiers killed Shireen Abu Akleh despite her wearing a visible ‘PRESS’ vest. The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate (PJS) has also condemned attacks and reported that journalists have been prevented from reporting on events in Jenin on 4 July. The PJS has urged all journalists to wear professional safety equipment and prevent travel without adequate equipment provided by their employer for covering dangerous conditions.
The NUJ has repeatedly called for an end to the systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists by Israeli forces. The union has urged an end to impunity and expressed solidarity with Palestinian journalists.
The IFJ has highlighted that Israel’s ongoing attacks against journalists led to Hazem Nasser, cameraman for Al-Ghad TV channel, being shot and wounded while wearing a press vest on 19 June.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
"We firmly condemn this deliberate targeting of journalists in Jenin and call on Israel to stop using journalists as targets. Once again, we remind Israel of its international commitment to press freedom and human rights. These constant attacks on the press must cease immediately."