Gaza: Israeli Airstrike Kills Palestinian Journalist Amal Zohd in Gaza City
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is devastated by the death of the photojournalist and vehemently condemns the continued targeting of the press
Location: Gaza, Gaza City
Date: November 24, 2023
Palestinian journalist Amal Zohd, along with her entire family, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City hours before the humanitarian pause began. Zohd is the sixth woman journalist killed by Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is appalled by the continued killing of journalists since the conflict erupted on October 7, so far at least 54 journalists have lost their lives. We denounce the killing of Amal Zohd and offer our deepest and sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. The killing of journalists must end. We call on the international community to exert diplomatic pressure on parties involved in the conflict, urging all sides to adhere to ceasefires and international laws, particularly those protecting journalists and civilians in conflict zones.
Amal Zohd, who collaborated with Al-Jazeera and Al Mayadeen, and her family were killed in the early hours of November 24, 2023, in an Israeli air attack on their home in Gaza City. The number of family members killed remains unspecified.
Since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, at least 54 journalists have been killed, while others are either missing, in custody, or enduring severe injuries. Among the casualties are nine women journalists. Six, including Amal Zohd, have been killed in Gaza. Earlier this week Alaa Taher Al Hassanat, a reporter and presenter at AlMajedat Media Network, and Ayat Khadoura, a freelance journalist, were killed in the Israeli shelling of their homes. Palestinian journalists Salam Mema, Salma Mukhaimer, and Duaa Sharaf were all killed by Israeli airstrikes since the bombardment began on October 7, 2023.
The killing of Zohd occurred just hours before a humanitarian pause was set to begin. This pause, mediated by Qatar with the involvement of Egypt and the United States, aims to temporarily halt hostilities between Hamas and Israel. The agreement includes the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails in exchange for 50 people held captive by Hamas in Gaza. The pause lasts for four days initially, with the possibility of extension.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the killing of journalist Amal Zohd and her family members. The toll on journalists in this conflict is unparalleled, making it the deadliest for press workers in three decades. The ongoing killing must stop. Journalists in war zones are safeguarded by international humanitarian law, and intentionally targeting them constitutes a war crime.
While we welcome the current humanitarian pause, it is imperative that both Israel and Hamas not only respect its terms but also use this opportunity to extend peace, paving the way for a permanent ceasefire. The world is watching, and the time for unequivocal action is now.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends its deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of Amal Zohd and all journalists killed in this conflict. We call on the UN to conduct thorough investigations into the killings of journalists and the UN Security Council to impose sanctions or embargoes against parties found to be violating international laws. We urge the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other international tribunals to investigate and prosecute individuals or groups responsible for targeting journalists.
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.
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