Gaza: Israel Kills Palestinian Journalist Haneen Ali al-Qutshan

Ali al-Qutshan becomes the 12th Palestinian woman journalist killed in the Israel-Palestine Conflict

Location: Palestine, Gaza
Date: December 17, 2023

Haneen Ali al-Qutshan, a Palestinian journalist, was killed in an Israeli airstrike at the Nuseirat refugee camp. At least twelve Palestinian women journalists have now been killed, out of a total of fifteen women journalists, since the conflict escalated on October 7. The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom expresses deep sorrow over the killing of Haneen Ali al-Qutshan and other media workers during the ongoing conflict. We strongly condemn Israel's deliberate targeting of journalists and citizens, which is considered a war crime under international law. As the situation continues to escalate, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and protection of journalists and civilians alike. We urge the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to conduct an unbiased investigation into these war crimes and ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are held accountable.

Haneen Ali al-Qutshan, a Palestinian journalist, was killed on Sunday, December 17, during an Israeli air strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp. An unknown number of her family members also perished in the attack. 

The killing of Ali al-Qutshan marks the twelfth Palestinian woman journalist to lose her life, at least, in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, as documented by CFWIJ. This incident adds to the grim tally of 68 confirmed deaths of journalists and media workers in the region. These casualties are part of the devastating toll of over 19,000 recorded deaths.

Al-Qutshan, also known as al-Qashtan, was a respected journalist who made contributions to an FM radio station in Gaza. Her tragic killing underscores the dangers faced by journalists and media workers in conflict zones. The ongoing war between Israel and Palestine has not only resulted in civilian casualties but has also had a profound impact on the media community. 

The international community has responded to these tragic events with calls for a ceasefire. In Atlanta, United States, a vigil was held to honor the journalists killed in the Israel-Palestine war. 

The recent killing of Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa, who was killed in an Israeli drone strike while covering the bombing of a school in Gaza, has sparked further outrage. Al Jazeera is preparing a legal file to be sent to the International Criminal Court, accusing Israel of "assassinating" their cameraman. The Israeli military, however, denies deliberately targeting journalists, and an ongoing investigation into alleged crimes in Palestinian territories is being conducted by the ICC.

The untimely demise of Haneen Ali al-Qutshan serves as a poignant reminder of the perilous circumstances journalists encounter in conflict zones. With the Israel-Palestine conflict persisting and claiming more lives, it is crucial for the international community to redouble its efforts in achieving a ceasefire. A lasting peace must be pursued, one that prioritizes the safety and well-being of journalists and civilians alike.

The conflict has posed a severe threat to the fundamental principles of press freedom. Journalists are facing grave dangers, including physical assaults, threats, and even loss of life. This situation not only affects those directly involved but also has broader implications for global press freedom. Journalists who identify as Muslim or Jewish, covering the conflict, have been targeted with threats and attacks for expressing their views on social media. Numerous women journalists in newsrooms worldwide have been terminated from their positions as a result of their coverage, deemed pro-Palestinian.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom joins in mourning the loss of Haneen Ali al-Qutshan and all journalists and media workers who have been tragically killed in the midst of this conflict. We strongly condemn the acts of violence and killings targeting journalists, whose reporting plays a crucial role during times of war. It is of utmost importance that both sides of the conflict uphold press freedom and prioritize the safety of journalists reporting from the frontlines. Deliberately targeting journalists is a grave war crime that demands thorough and independent investigations. We urge international bodies to conduct impartial inquiries into these war crimes and ensure that those responsible for these reprehensible acts are held accountable.

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.

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