RSF files fourth complaint with International Criminal Court for war crimes against journalists in Gaza

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is filing its fourth application with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding war crimes committed by the Israeli army in Gaza. The protection of journalists begins with the fight against impunity.

“RSF is filing its fourth complaint with the ICC for crimes committed by Israel against journalists in Gaza. More than 130 journalists have been killed in a year: This is a true massacre. For the nine new crimes committed, we have reached reasonable grounds that reveal intentional targeting. As long as these murders go unpunished, there will be no reason for the perpetrators to stop. The protection of journalists in Gaza begins with the fight against impunity. We request that the Court examine these complaints as a matter of priority and urgency. Without journalists in Gaza, we cannot obtain information about all the other crimes committed in Gaza. Protect them now!”

Antoine Bernard - RSF Advocacy Director

RSF filed its first complaint on November 1, 2023, its second on December 22, and its third on May 27, 2024. Following the two complaints filed in November and December, the office of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan assured RSF that crimes committed against journalists were included in the Palestine investigation. RSF's activities since 2018 have played a decisive role in the ICC's investigation into crimes against journalists. RSF is the only organization to have filed a complaint with the ICC regarding war crimes committed against journalists in Gaza since October 7.

In the face of the ongoing tragedy, RSF decided to file a fourth complaint on September 24, 2024. The organization documented the circumstances under which attacks occurred against nine journalists between December 2023 and September 2024, eight of whom were killed and one of whom was injured.

MASSACRE

Among the nine victims, Shams News reporter Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Sharia was killed along with seven civilians in an Israeli attack on July 1, 2024, while working near his home. Al Jazeera reporters Ismail al-Ghoul and Rami al-Rifi were targeted and killed in their car while on duty on July 31. RSF investigated the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and the rhetoric Israel used to justify this crime.

18 days later, freelance journalist Ibrahim Muhareb was shot while on duty, hit in his vest marked "Press" by two shots fired from an Israeli tank. The conflict was so intense that his body could only be reached the following evening. His colleague Salma al-Qaddoumi, who was also hit by bullets, survived the attack with injuries. Upon RSF's inquiry, the Israeli army merely stated that the incident did not occur as RSF described, but declined to provide further explanation.

According to information obtained by RSF, photographer brothers Ayman and Ibrahim Mohammed al-Gherbawi were also killed in a drone attack on April 27, 2024.

Through its extensive investigations, RSF also enabled the development of grounds regarding the targeting of Palestine TV reporter Mohammed Abu Hatab and Al-Istiqlal reporter Mohamed Nasr Abu Huwaidi, who were killed in attacks on November 2 and December 23, 2023. The organization requests that the ICC investigate these crimes, as well as the killing of more than 140 journalists by Israeli forces in Gaza since October 7, 32 of whom were killed while on duty.

To compile these files, RSF relies on a wide range of information collected by its reporters and sources on the ground, despite the blockade imposed on Gaza and communication difficulties. The verification process is supported by obtained videos, references, and online documents.

News Source: 12punto