Israel’s ongoing targeting of journalists is fueled by a lack of accountability for its actions, according to advocates. The recent airstrike that killed three media workers in southern Lebanon has intensified demands to address Israel’s impunity.

The rising number of journalist fatalities attributed to the Israeli military is seen as a direct consequence of the international community’s failure, particularly the United States, to hold Israel accountable. Just before the attacks, Israeli officials accused Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza of links to armed groups, raising safety concerns for media personnel.

Rebecca Vincent of Reporters Without Borders emphasized that recent events should prompt the US and other nations to take action against the violence. The strike in Lebanon targeted a journalist compound, which was far from active combat zones, and resulted in significant destruction without any prior warning.

With at least 128 journalists killed in the past year in the region, this period marks one of the deadliest for media workers since the Committee to Protect Journalists began monitoring such incidents. Palestinian officials suggest the actual number may be as high as 176 killed in Gaza alone.

Israeli authorities have frequently labeled journalists as “terrorists,” particularly those reporting from Gaza. These unfounded accusations have sparked fears of preemptive targeting, further complicating the safety of media workers in the area. Critics argue that Israel’s restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza serve to obscure the realities of its actions.

Palestinian lawyer Diana Buttu pointed out that under international law, only combatants can be legitimate targets in war. Israel’s tactics of labeling journalists as affiliates of militant groups undermine this legal framework.

Despite calls for access to Gaza for international journalists, Israel has maintained strict bans. Advocacy groups have documented a consistent pattern of Israeli assaults on journalists, highlighting a culture of impunity that has persisted over the years.

The lack of accountability for the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh exemplifies this trend. Although there were calls for an independent investigation into her death, little has been done to pursue justice.

While the US government recognizes the importance of journalistic truth-telling, advocates argue that this commitment is not reflected in its response to Israeli actions against Palestinian journalists. The US continues to provide significant military aid to Israel despite widespread documented abuses.

Additionally, there has been insufficient outrage from mainstream media regarding attacks on journalists in the region, which some advocates find troubling. In contrast, alternative media outlets have expressed solidarity with affected journalists, emphasizing the need for the international community to treat these attacks as a pressing issue.