Photojournalist Sa'ed Nabhan was killed by an Israeli sniper on Friday while performing his journalistic duties in the Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza. Al-Ghad TV, where Nabhan was employed, reported that Israeli occupation forces prevented medical teams from accessing his body for half an hour after the attack. 

The incident is part of a broader pattern of violence against Palestinian journalists, as reported by Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC). Since October 7, 2023, at least 203 journalists have been killed in Gaza, highlighting what WJWC describes as systematic targeting by the Israeli occupation forces. 

Systematic Targeting of Journalists 

WJWC stated that the killing of Nabhan is further evidence of Israel's deliberate targeting of journalists to suppress reporting on its actions in Gaza, including alleged acts of genocide. A report released by the organization in October, titled "A Year of Tragedy: One Journalist Killed Every Two Days in Gaza," detailed instances of journalists being attacked despite clear identification of their non-combatant status.

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate also condemned the killing, describing it as part of a systematic policy aimed at silencing Palestinian media and obscuring the truth about the ongoing conflict. 

Violations of International Law 

Under international humanitarian law, journalists are considered civilians and are afforded protection in conflict zones. Article 79 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibits targeting journalists. However, WJWC points out that the Israeli occupation has repeatedly violated these principles, using its military operations to suppress freedom of expression and access to information. 

The killing of Nabhan occurred amidst a 14-month escalation of Israeli attacks on Gaza, which have targeted civilians, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. WJWC and other organizations have condemned these actions as violations of international law and called for accountability. 

Calls for Action 

Women Journalists Without Chains urged the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to investigate the killing of Nabhan and other journalists. The organization called for the documentation of violations and the prosecution of those responsible under Articles 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute. 

The organization also held nations supporting Israel accountable, urging them to cease military and financial support and exert pressure on Israel to end the violence in Gaza. WJWC emphasized the need for justice and the immediate implementation of International Court of Justice rulings to hold perpetrators accountable. 

"The ongoing targeting of journalists not only violates international law but also undermines the global right to access information and the truth," WJWC stated, urging swift action to protect media workers in conflict zones and ensure justice for the victims.