Gaza: Israel Kills Alaa Hassan Al-Hams and Angham Ahmed in Airstrikes on Rafah

Israeli airstrikes kill two Palestinian journalists, bringing the grim tally of women journalists killed in these attacks to 18

Location: Gaza, Radah
Date: February 12, 2024

Women Press Freedom mourns the tragic deaths of journalists Alaa Hassan Al-Hams and Angham Ahmed Adwan, who were killed by Israeli in shelling on Rafah. Their deaths add to the distressing number of Palestinian journalists who have been killed by Israel in Gaza. Since the conflict escalated on October 7, a total of 18 women journalists and media workers have lost their lives, 15 of whom were Palestinian. It is crucial that journalists are able to carry out their essential work without being constantly exposed to violence, in accordance with international standards that protect freedom of the press. The reprehensible targeting of journalists by Israel in this conflict must immediately come to an end. We strongly condemn the killings of Alaa Hassan Al-Hams and Angham Ahmed Adwan, and we urgently call for a cessation of hostilities. We further demand Israel to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court's investigation into potential war crimes.

Amidst Israel's relentless assault on the Gaza Strip, two Palestinian journalists, Alaa Hassan Al-Hams and Angham Ahmed Adwan, were killed by Israel on Monday, bringing the death toll to a staggering 19 women journalists killed since October 7, 2023. Al-Hams worked for the local Sanad News Agency, while Adwan was associated with Libya's February Channel.

The exact circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear, as the government media office's statement refrained from providing further details.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports a distressing toll of over 70 media workers killed in the recent Gaza conflict, with some estimates putting the number over 100. Women Press Freedom has documented the killings of 18 women journalists since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. Fifteen of these deaths were at the hands of Israel. The direct threats to reporters and their families by Israeli officials raise serious concerns about the deliberate targeting of Palestinian journalists, potentially constituting war crimes.

The International Criminal Court's Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, confirmed last month that "crimes against journalists" are under investigation as part of the ongoing examination into the situation in Palestine. This announcement follows two complaints filed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) with the International Criminal Court, urging the prosecutor to thoroughly investigate all Palestinian journalists killed by the Israeli army, emphasizing that journalists are protected by international humanitarian law and the Rome Statute, and must not be targeted under any circumstances.

Gaza's Ministry of Health reports a devastating toll of 28,340 Palestinians killed and 67,984 wounded in the conflcict which escalated from October 7. Tragically, at least 8,000 people remain missing, presumed dead beneath the debris of their homes scattered across the Strip.

Nearly two million people from all corners of Gaza are displaced. The majority of those have sought refuge in the densely populated southern city of Rafah, near the Egyptian border. This mass exodus marks the largest displacement in Palestine since 1948.

As the death toll continues to rise and journalists face increasing risks, the international community is called upon to address this grave violation of press freedom and the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. 

WPF has documented the killings of 19 women journalists since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. Of these tragic deaths, 15 were a direct result of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. These distressing numbers highlight grave concerns about the deliberate targeting of Palestinian journalists, which could potentially amount to war crimes. The direct threats made by Israeli officials towards reporters and their families further exacerbate these concerns, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and protection of press freedom.

Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the killings of Alaa Hassan Al-Hams and Angham Ahmed Adwan by Israeli airstrikes. The ability for journalists to carry out their vital work without constant exposure to violence is essential and should be protected in accordance with international standards safeguarding press freedom. The deliberate targeting of journalists by Israel in this conflict must cease immediately. We demand the Israeli government fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court's investigation into war crimes.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.