Yemen: nine journalists killed by Israeli strike
The NUJ has joined the International Federation of Journalists in condemning the targeted attack on Houthi-controlled areas, killing at least nine journalists.
On 10 September, offices of the 26 September Newspaper were struck after Israeli air strikes hit Sanaa and the northern province of al-Jawf. Both military and civilian journalists are employed by the title. The newspaper is the official outlet of the Yemeni army, which is under the control of the de facto Houthi government in Sanaa.
IFJ affiliate the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS) acknowledged that 26 September Newspaper was Houthi-controlled but stressed that several civilian journalists with no military affiliation were among those killed in the strike. The YJS recognised the attack as “a war crime and a blatant violation of legal instruments that protect journalists and media in times of war.”
The Israel Defense Forces stated they “struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime in the areas of Sanaa and Al Jawf in Yemen,” including military camps, a fuel storage facility and the Houthi Public Relations Department”.
The NUJ joins the IFJ and YJS in urging a swift and independent investigation into the killings.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary said:
"The killing of at least nine journalists in Yemen is an appalling massacre. Targeting journalists is a grave violation of international law and an attack on the public’s right to know. We join our affiliate, the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate, in demanding an immediate, swift and truly independent investigation into this tragedy. Urgent steps must be taken to ensure the protection of journalists working in conflict zones."