UN condemns Israel over the killing of journalists in Gaza

The United Nations human rights agency has condemned Israel’s deliberate targeting and killing of six journalists in Gaza, describing it as a “grave breach of international humanitarian law.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk took to X to express outrage after an Israeli strike on a tent sheltering Al Jazeera staff—resulting in the deaths of five Al Jazeera journalists and one freelance reporter. The Associated Press reports that Israel has admitted the strike was a planned operation, further deepening concerns from the global community over press safety in conflict zones.

Many of the slain journalists were based near Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, a known media zone. This attack adds to a grim tally of journalists killed in the conflict—according to the UN, over 227 Palestinian journalists have lost their lives since October 2023. Rights groups and governments worldwide are demanding accountability and urgent safeguards for media workers operating in Gaza.