Gaza: Women Press Freedom Condemns Israeli Military's Assault on Palestinian Journalist Salma al-Qadoumi
Journalist was hospitalized with injuries after being shot in the back
Location: Palestine, Gaza
Date: August 18, 2024
Women Press Freedom is outraged by the shooting of Palestinian journalist Salma al-Qadoumi, who was injured by the Israeli military while reporting in Khan Younis. We strongly denounce this brutal assault and extend our wishes for al-Qadoumi’s swift recovery. In the past 317 days, over 100 journalists, including 21 women, have been killed in this conflict—an average of one journalist every three days. The deliberate targeting of journalists in conflict zones is a blatant violation of international law. We urge Israeli authorities to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court's investigation into potential war crimes. The targeting and killing of journalists on the frontlines must not continue with impunity.
On Sunday, August 18, 2024, Palestinian journalist Salma al-Qadoumi was shot in the back by Israeli tanks while reporting on the Israeli army's escalation of its ground offensive in Khan Younis, Gaza. Video following her shooting shows the journalist being placed on a stretcher while unconscious.
As of now, al-Qadoumi is receiving medical treatment at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Her current condition remains unknown.
Against the backdrop of horrific violence towards journalists covering the Israeli assault on Gaza, the attack on al-Qadoumi adds to a concerning pattern. According to various reports, including those from Women Press Freedom, at least 111 journalists and media personnel, with 21 of them being women, have been tragically killed since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, marking it as the deadliest conflict for journalists.
Despite international calls for a cease-fire, Israel persists in its aggressive campaign against Gaza, which has resulted in a staggering toll of casualties, including over 40,000 deaths and over 90,000 injuries, with a significant impact on civilian populations, particularly women and children.
The ongoing devastation in Gaza, compounded by severe shortages of essential supplies due to a blockade, has drawn sharp criticism and accusations of genocide, prompting legal action at the International Court of Justice. The urgent need for humanitarian intervention and an end to the violence looms large as the region grapples with the aftermath of relentless conflict.
Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Salma al-Qadoumi and hopes for her swift recovery to full health. Journalists serve as our primary sources of information during times of conflict, acting as our eyes and ears on the ground. Their invaluable work contributes to documenting history. Governments must uphold international laws of war to protect press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists, rather than intentionally harming them. Such actions are completely unacceptable and constitute war crimes that must be thoroughly investigated and punished. We call for the Israeli military to be held accountable for the assault on al-Qadoumi and urge their cooperation with the International Criminal Court's inquiry into potential war crimes.
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