Are Journalists protected under International law?

According to a Middle East Eye report, since October 7th, there have been 158 Palestinian Journalists who have been killed in Gaza by Israel.

Article 79 of the Geneva Convention states that Journalists in war zones are to be treated as Civilians and protected, provided they do not participate in the Hostilities. 

The Geneva Conventions and its added protocols protect civilians, medics, aid workers, internally displaced people, children, and those who can no longer fight (the wounded, sick, shipwrecked.)

Deliberately targeting civilians could constitute a potential war crime. 

Sources

1. Middle East Eye “ Israel kills five Palestinian journalists in the past 24h.”

2. Reporters without Borders “ Protection of Journalists in War Zones.”

3. International Committee of the Red Cross “The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols.” 

4. AlJazeera “World Press Freedom Day” 

5. Committee to Protect Journalists “ Journalists casualties in the Israel - Gaza War.” 

Picture: The Guardian

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