UK journalists union condemns killing of 5 journalists in Israel air strike on Gaza

The British National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has strongly condemned the killing of five journalists in central Gaza, describing it as an “outrageous attack” and a clear violation of international law.

The journalists, who worked for the Al-Quds satellite channel, were reportedly sleeping in a clearly marked broadcasting van when it was hit by an Israeli air strike near Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Photographs widely shared on social media show the van engulfed in flames.

“This is an outrageous attack and a clear breach of international law,” said Laura Davison, general secretary of the NUJ.

“There can have been no doubt that the van was a media installation. Journalists and their facilities are protected by international conventions, as civilians, and should not be targeted. This is yet another gross violation and must be condemned.”

Davison renewed calls for the Israeli government to cease its targeting of journalists.

Israel has killed more than 45,400 Palestinians in Gaza since 7 October 2023 and reduced the enclave to rubble.

READ: 92% of journalists have lost equipment in Israel’s bombing of Gaza, poll finds