Journalists Killed In Gaza

[DogPoundPup]

Press Release: IFEX

Israel/Palestine: Journalists Killed In Gaza; Foreign Reporters Still Banned

Journalists and media houses continue to be in the firing line of Israel Defense Forces (IDF), say IFEX members ARTICLE 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and others, who count at least five journalists and media professionals killed in the recent Gaza conflict.

Alwan Radio broadcaster Alaa Murtaja died after being seriously injured in a bomb attack on his house in Gaza City on 9 January. Israeli warplanes also bombed the home of Palestinian public TV cameraman Ihab al-Wahidi on 8 January. There are reports that journalist Omar Silawi was also killed by an IDF attack on 3 January.

Basel Faraj, who worked as an assistant cameraman for the Algerian TV network ENTV and the Palestine Media and Communications Company, was wounded as a result of an Israeli air strike on his crew on the first day of the military offensive, 27 December. He died on 6 January. Two other journalists were injured in the strike.

And Hamza Shahin, a photographer with the Shehab News Agency, died on 26 December from wounds sustained in an earlier Israeli air attack on 7 December.

Israeli aircraft also bombed Al-Johara Tower in Gaza City, on 9 January, even though the building was clearly marked as housing media staff, report IFEX members. More than 20 news organisations work in Al-Johara, including Iran's English-language Press TV and the Arabic language network Al-Alam. Satellite transmission equipment on the roof of the building was destroyed and at least one journalist was reported injured.

"The Israeli military knows the location of TV facilities, houses and news bureaus in Gaza. It is simply unacceptable that working journalists and their offices should come under fire in this way," said CPJ. "Journalists enjoy protections under international law in military campaigns such as the one in Gaza. Israel must cease its attacks on the media immediately."

Media facilities have come under Israeli fire in two other instances since the military campaign started. The IDF shelled the offices of the Hamas-affiliated "Al-Risala" newsweekly on 5 January and the headquarters of Al-Aqsa TV on 29 December. Al-Aqsa continues to broadcast from a remote location.

The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (Mada) and IFJ also report that two of Al-Alam's journalists, Khadir Shahin and his producer, have been unlawfully detained by the IDF since 5 January. "Israel has no legitimate reason to detain journalists who are neither on its soil nor involved in fighting in Gaza," said IFJ.

more ... http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0901/S00345.htm

[rgbecker]

1. Just want to point out that....

The Katusha rocket, vintage WWII, can deliver up a 50 lbs. payload. This may be why we so little damage from the rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. The air delivered Israeli bombs are probably 500 to 2000 lb. dudes. Anyone know for sure? I think I'd prefer to cover this war from the Israeli side.

[catnhatnh]

2. Here's the specs....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qassam_rocket

Qassam's come in models 1, 2, and 3....the big one (Model 3) carries 10kg/22lbs of tnt/fertilizer blend....

so less the half the payload of a lower grade explosive.

[Idealism]

3. The IAF is using GBU-39s on high priority targets

These weigh 2000 lbs I believe and are widely considered "the smartest bomb in the world." That somehow hasn't translated into less civilian casualties, which leaves me at a loss for words when people claim Israel isn't targeting innocent people.

[Idealism]

4. It would make sense that they go after domestic journalists

Silence those who raise their voices against you.

Stalin said it best:

"Ideas are more powerful than guns. We don't let our enemies have guns, why should we let them have ideas?"