Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, demanding accountability for Israel's military actions that killed at least six journalists in Gaza this week. The protest highlighted growing global concern over press freedom violations in conflict zones.
Among the victims was Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, who was reportedly targeted while covering clashes near Gaza City. Five other journalists died when their makeshift shelter outside the territory's largest hospital complex was struck. Israeli authorities claim the individuals were Hamas militants posing as reporters, though no evidence has been publicly presented.
Press freedom advocates at the rally held placards reading 'Truth Can't Be Bombed' and 'Journalism Is Not a Crime.' The Committee to Protect Journalists reports over 100 media workers have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, calling it the deadliest conflict for reporters in modern history.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric acknowledged the protests, stating: 'The Secretary-General reiterates that journalists must be protected as civilians under international humanitarian law.' The incident has renewed debates about balancing military objectives with press freedoms in urban warfare.
