Gaza: Women Press Freedom Condemns Israeli Military's Assault on Palestinian Journalist Salma al-Qadoumi
Journalist was hospitalized with injuries after being shot in the back
Location: Palestine, Gaza
Date: August 18, 2024
Women Press Freedom is outraged by the shooting of Palestinian journalist Salma al-Qadoumi, who was injured by the Israeli military while reporting in Khan Younis. We strongly denounce this brutal assault and extend our wishes for al-Qadoumi’s swift recovery. In the past 317 days, over 100 journalists, including 21 women, have been killed in this conflict—an average of one journalist every three days. The deliberate targeting of journalists in conflict zones is a blatant violation of international law. We urge Israeli authorities to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court's investigation into potential war crimes. The targeting and killing of journalists on the frontlines must not continue with impunity.
WPF welcomes the judgment of the Fair Work Commission that found that broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf was fired by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) following a social media post by Lattouf sharing a Human Rights Watch claim about Israel's actions in Gaza.
WPF is deeply concerned for the safety of press workers in Georgia following the disputed elections marred by violence, allegations of vote rigging, and claims of electoral misconduct. Throughout election day, journalists reporting at polling stations faced assaults, intimidation, and obstruction, highlighting the growing dangers for independent media covering politically sensitive events in the country
Women Press Freedom stands resolutely in solidarity with Arzu Yıldız, an investigative journalist from Turkiye forced into exile after facing persistent threats and persecution for her work. Yıldız's experience is emblematic of the broader crackdown on press freedom under President Tayyip Erdoğan's regime, where dissent is aggressively stifled. We unequivocally condemn the targeting and persecution of journalists by President Tayyip Erdoğan's government.
On Sunday, August 18, 2024, Palestinian journalist Salma al-Qadoumi was shot in the back by Israeli tanks while reporting on the Israeli army's escalation of its ground offensive in Khan Younis, Gaza. Video following her shooting shows the journalist being placed on a stretcher while unconscious.
As of now, al-Qadoumi is receiving medical treatment at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Her current condition remains unknown.
Against the backdrop of horrific violence towards journalists covering the Israeli assault on Gaza, the attack on al-Qadoumi adds to a concerning pattern. According to various reports, including those from Women Press Freedom, at least 111 journalists and media personnel, with 21 of them being women, have been tragically killed since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, marking it as the deadliest conflict for journalists.
Despite international calls for a cease-fire, Israel persists in its aggressive campaign against Gaza, which has resulted in a staggering toll of casualties, including over 40,000 deaths and over 90,000 injuries, with a significant impact on civilian populations, particularly women and children.
The ongoing devastation in Gaza, compounded by severe shortages of essential supplies due to a blockade, has drawn sharp criticism and accusations of genocide, prompting legal action at the International Court of Justice. The urgent need for humanitarian intervention and an end to the violence looms large as the region grapples with the aftermath of relentless conflict.
Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Salma al-Qadoumi and hopes for her swift recovery to full health. Journalists serve as our primary sources of information during times of conflict, acting as our eyes and ears on the ground. Their invaluable work contributes to documenting history. Governments must uphold international laws of war to protect press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists, rather than intentionally harming them. Such actions are completely unacceptable and constitute war crimes that must be thoroughly investigated and punished. We call for the Israeli military to be held accountable for the assault on al-Qadoumi and urge their cooperation with the International Criminal Court's inquiry into potential war crimes.
During the ongoing Israel/Palestine conflict, the fundamental principles of press freedom have come under dire threat.
WPF urges Israeli government and its representatives to respect the independence of journalists and cease their attempts to discredit the press for asking critical questions about its actions in Gaza.
WPF expresses deep sorrow over the tragic killing of five Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip, including Wafa Abu Dabaan, a reporter with the Islamic University Radio in Gaza, by Israeli forces.
The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) has decided to revoke the 2024 Courage in Journalism Award from freelance Palestinian journalist Maha Hussaini.
WPF denounces Wafa News reporter Rasha Herzallah's unjust detention by Israeli authorities in the West Bank on unknown charges.
WPF condemns in the strongest terms the brutal assaults and impediments faced by journalists during the June 5 commemoration march in East Jerusalem.
WPF mourns the loss of Ola Al Dahdouh, editor and presenter at the local Sawt Al Watan radio station, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting her husband's family residence in Gaza City.
WPF strongly condemns the recent actions by the Israeli Ministry of Communication, which confiscated camera and broadcasting equipment from The Associated Press (AP) in Sderot, southern Israel, on May 21.
WPF expresses deep concern over the sudden departure of Sangita Myska, a renowned radio presenter and former BBC reporter, from LBC.
WPF stands resolutely against the unlawful treatment of journalists Rasha Azab, Iman Aouf, and Hadeer al-Mahdawy by Egyptian authorities.
WPF is deeply troubled by the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of Helen Fares from Südwestrundfunk (SWR), which highlight a concerning trend of threats and character attacks against the journalist.
WPF expresses grave concern regarding the disappearance and safety of Palestinian journalist Bayan Abusultan, who has not been heard from since March 19.
WPF stands in firm support of the over 50 journalists who have courageously called for unrestricted access for the foreign press to Gaza.
Comment section of the podcaster's video about her infant son’s open heart surgery flooded with demands she speak out about the Israel-Hamas war.
WPF is concerned by a recent leak involving the private WhatsApp group of Jewish Australian creatives, which included the personal information of hundreds of individuals in academia and creative fields.
Amidst Israel's relentless assault on the Gaza Strip, two Palestinian journalists, Alaa Hassan Al-Hams and Angham Ahmed Adwan, were killed by Israel on Monday, bringing the death toll to a staggering 18 women journalists killed since October 7, 2023.
CFWIJ and WPF expresses deep sorrow at the deaths of journalist Hiba al-Abadla and her daughter Judy.
American-Russian journalist Masha Gessen receives the prestigious Hannah Arendt Prize after the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBS) had initially withdrawn its support following Gessen's essay in the New Yorker, where they compared Gaza to Jewish ghettos in Nazi-occupied Europe.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza claimed the lives of journalists Nermin Qawwas and Hanan Ayad.
In a move that reflects the escalating tensions in Gaza, Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad, known for her in-depth social media coverage of the region's crisis, has fled the area.
Police arrest KJZZ radio reporter Alisa Reznick charging her with criminal trespass while reporting on a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Tucson, Arizona, on the morning of November 30.
Palestinian journalist Amal Zohd, along with her entire family, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City hours before the humanitarian pause began.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is appalled and devastated by the killings of journalists Farah Omar and Rabih Al-Me'mari in southern Lebanon.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is devastated by the tragic loss of two Palestinian women journalists, Alaa Taher Al Hassanat and Ayat Al-Khadour, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
Israel missiles hit a press tour of at least twelve journalists reporting on damage caused by Israeli bombing in southern Lebanon.
Israeli authorities detain Palestinian journalist Somaya Jawabra in Nablus. Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, Israeli forces have detained thousands of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is concerned for the welfare of journalist Lama Khater following her detention by Israeli Defense Forces.
Palestinian journalist Duaa Sharaf and her child were killed when Israeli jets bombed their home in central Gaza.
Salma Mukhaimer is the fifth woman journalist to lose her life since the conflict between Israel and Palestine reignited on October 7, 2023.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.