Israel’s Impunity in Killing Palestinian Journalists
The world has been witnessing a surge in attacks on journalists globally, with a growing sense of impunity for those responsible. Unfortunately, Israel is no exception. The country has a dismal track record of prosecuting its own security forces for the killing of Palestinian journalists, leaving a legacy of impunity that poses a significant threat to press freedom.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), 122 journalists have been killed in Israel and the occupied territories since 1979. The majority of these cases remain unsolved, with many victims’ families left without justice or compensation. The lack of accountability has created a culture of fear and self-censorship among Palestinian journalists, forcing many to tone down their reporting or silence altogether.
One such incident that highlights Israel’s culture of impunity is the killing of journalist Basil al-Araj, 27, who was shot and killed by Israeli soldiers in 2007 while covering a protest in the West Bank town of Qalandia. The Israeli military initially claimed that al-Araj was a "Hamas operative" and that he was shot while "attempting to throw a firebomb" at Israeli soldiers. However, eyewitnesses contradicted this version, stating that al-Araj was an unarmed journalist who was simply doing his job.
Despite the controversy surrounding his death, no one has ever been held accountable for Araj’s murder. His family has been left without justice or compensation, and the killing remains one of the many unsolved cases of violence against journalists in Israel and the occupied territories.
Another disturbing trend is the excessive use of force by Israeli security forces against journalists covering protests and demonstrations. In 2019, Israeli forces fired tear gas and live ammunition at journalists covering a protest in the Gaza Strip, injuring several local and international journalists. Despite the presence of international observers and human rights organizations, no one was held accountable for the attacks.
The lack of accountability sends a chilling message to journalists, silencing their voices and contributing to a toxic environment of fear and impunity. It also undermines the media’s ability to report on issues important to the public, such as human rights abuses, political repression, and social injustices.
The international community has repeatedly called on Israel to investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks on journalists, but the country’s response has been limited. In 2014, the CPJ released a report on attacks on journalists in Israel and the occupied territories, urging the government to "end the culture of impunity" and "hold those responsible for violence against journalists accountable."
While some progress has been made in recent years, much more needs to be done to address the systemic issues of violence and impunity affecting Palestinian journalists. The international community, including governments, human rights organizations, and civil society groups, must continue to pressure Israel to take concrete steps to address the culture of impunity and ensure justice for the victims of these attacks.
Ultimately, a free and independent press is crucial for a healthy democracy, and it is the responsibility of those in power to create an environment where journalists can report without fear of persecution or harm. In Israel and the occupied territories, it is time for the government to acknowledge the severity of the problem and take concrete steps to end the culture of impunity and ensure accountability for those responsible for the violence and intimidation of journalists. Only then can we hope to see a safer and more just environment for journalists, and a more informed and engaged public.
