Philip Loroth, former president of the International Federation of Journalists, affirmed that Israel’s systematic targeting of journalists in the Gaza Strip constitutes a double crime against humanity and freedom of expression. He emphasized that journalists are civilians and must be protected, as they serve as witnesses to events in the area while Israel imposes strict censorship on their work.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Loroth expressed his sorrow and anger over the killing of journalists in Gaza, stating that each targeting operation is because they are journalists specifically. He noted that Gazans are tired of expressions of concern or anger without concrete actions.

Loroth called for a political response, noting that more countries have expressed readiness to recognize the Palestinian state, which seems to have angered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom Loroth mentioned is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes committed by the Israeli army in Gaza.

He criticized the weak reaction from Western journalists and media institutions and highlighted the ban on Western or foreign journalists entering Gaza. He said if they were allowed in and killed, governments worldwide would have reacted more strongly, although many countries are already reacting to Israel’s actions and are ready to recognize the Palestinian state.

Loroth revealed plans for a large demonstration in Brussels to call out the names of all journalists killed in Gaza and to demand that the Belgian government recognize the Palestinian state as many other countries have. He hopes the demonstration will pressure the Belgian government and European authorities.

He confirmed that the International Federation of Journalists and the European Federation of Journalists can again call on the UN Human Rights Committee to take action, expressing confusion over the lack of a stronger response so far, especially when comparing the number of journalists killed in Ukraine and Gaza, with Gaza’s toll being ten times higher.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that an Israeli airstrike targeted the fourth floor of the Nasser Medical Complex, followed by another strike as ambulance crews arrived.

The attack resulted in the death of eight Palestinians, including Al Jazeera cameraman Mohammed Salameh, photojournalist Hossam Al-Masri, and journalist Mariam Abu Daqa.

The Civil Defense also reported the death of one of its members and injuries to seven others while attempting to rescue the wounded and recover the bodies of the martyrs from the site.