The American Human Rights Council (AHRC‑USA) joins all peace‑loving people in condemning, in the strongest terms, the ongoing and deliberate killing of journalists, media and press personnel by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon.
The most recent attack—the targeted killing of Ali Choeib, a correspondent for Al‑Manar, and Fatima Ftouni, a correspondent for Al‑Mayadeen is another grave violation of international humanitarian law. Both journalists were deliberately killed today in a direct Israeli strike on a media vehicle in the Jezzine area of southern Lebanon.
Today’s target killing of Ali Choeib and Fatima Ftouni brings the total number of journalists killed in Lebanon to 10, according to international sources.
According to the United Nations and major press‑freedom organizations, at least 245 journalists and media workers, primarily Palestinians, have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, marking the deadliest period for journalists ever recorded. Israel has killed more journalists in Gaza than in any other conflict in modern history, in blatant violation of the protections afforded to journalists under international humanitarian law.
In addition to the targeted killing of journalists, Israel has repeatedly attacked
ambulances, medical teams, and health facilities. At least 226 health workers have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli attacks, and at least 1,722 health workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. These victims include doctors, nurses, paramedics, surgeons, ambulance crews, hospital staff, and humanitarian medical workers. Israel’s actions have also resulted in the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the forced displacement of medical teams and patients, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Israel continues to act with full impunity due to unconditional U.S. military, political, and diplomatic support. Such support—despite violations of U.S. and international law—weakens the international community and undermines the United Nations’ ability to stop ongoing crimes. The absence of accountability and deterrence has created a dangerous reality in which Israel operates above international norms and rules of war.
AHRC calls upon all media professionals, institutions, and organizations in the United States and around the world to stand in defense of all journalists—especially those reporting from front lines—and to help hold Israel accountable for its violations.
Journalists are not combatants; they are protected civilians under international humanitarian law. Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy and a fundamental human right.
“Media is protected under international law, and the nationality and religion of the journalist does not make any difference,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “This is a legal issue and a moral issue, and we urge everyone to take a principled stand on the matter,” added Hamad.
