Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, claimed the lives of three Palestinian journalists, drawing widespread condemnation. The attacks occurred as discussions about a potential ceasefire continued, further highlighting the risks faced by media professionals in the conflict zone.

Eyewitnesses reported that an Israeli drone targeted the car of media activist Ahmed Hisham Abu al-Rous in the Nuseirat camp, central Gaza Strip, killing him, his brother Mohammed, and three others. Hours before the strike, Abu al-Rous had posted a video from inside his car, expressing hope for a ceasefire and calling on followers to pray for its success. Abu al-Rous was known for his charitable work aiding displaced families.

Elsewhere, journalist Ahmed Al-Shiah was killed when Israeli aircraft bombed a charitable hospice in al-Mawasi, west of Khan Yunis, according to Al Jazeera Mubasher. Additionally, journalist Aql Hussein Saleh lost his life in a bombing that targeted a group of Palestinians in Al-Bahr Street, Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City.

These attacks bring the total number of journalists killed in the past two days to five, including photographer and journalism student Ahlam al-Taluli and journalist Mohammed Bashir al-Talmis, who were killed in earlier strikes.

Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) strongly condemned the killing of journalists, attributing the ongoing violence to a lack of accountability and international pressure. “The impunity enjoyed by Israeli leaders, coupled with international support and ineffective measures to halt violations, has emboldened the Israeli occupation army to commit systematic crimes against civilians and journalists,” the organization stated.

Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) echoed these sentiments, describing the targeting of journalists as a "flagrant violation of international law." The organization criticized the continued attacks on media professionals as part of a systematic effort to eliminate witnesses, even as the world focuses on ceasefire arrangements.

A report issued by WJWC last October, titled “A Year of Tragedy: One Journalist Killed Every Two Days in Gaza,” documented the deaths of 172 Palestinian journalists during the first year of the war, including 19 women. The report alleged that Israeli forces deliberately targeted journalistic crews in multiple instances, despite prior notification of their presence and clear identification as media personnel.

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and WJWC have called attention to repeated violations, including attacks on journalists’ homes, live broadcast vehicles, and media offices. The deliberate targeting of journalists not only violates international laws but also undermines press freedom in the region.

Under international humanitarian law, journalists are protected as civilians. Article 79 of the First Protocol of the Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibits targeting journalists in armed conflict. Additionally, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights upholds the right to freedom of expression for journalists.

WJWC has urged international organizations to take effective steps to halt the attacks, provide adequate protection for journalists, and investigate crimes against them. The organization also called for the prosecution of those responsible under Articles 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute.

Women Journalists Without Chains called on the global community to implement the rulings of the International Court of Justice and bring perpetrators to justice. The organization stressed the need to restore confidence in international justice systems and ensure accountability without selectivity.

As the situation in Gaza remains precarious, the killings of Abu Al-Rous, Al-Shiah, Saleh, and others underscore the urgent need for international intervention to protect journalists and uphold press freedoms in conflict zones.