Gaza - April 9, 2026 - Women Journalists Without Chains condemns the killing of Palestinian journalist Mohammed Washah, a correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher, who was killed on April 8 in a direct airstrike carried out by Israeli occupation forces west of Gaza City.

Washah was targeted while traveling in a civilian vehicle, in an attack that forms part of a consistent pattern of targeting journalists. This incident underscores the continued assault on media workers in the Gaza Strip and the systematic effort to silence Palestinian voices.

Systematic Targeting of Journalists

Women Journalists Without Chains affirms that Israeli occupation forces continue to pursue policies that restrict media coverage and limit the flow of information from Gaza. The targeting of journalists, alongside severe constraints on media access, reflects a deliberate approach aimed at isolating the Strip from international scrutiny.

These practices are carried out under the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who is wanted by the International Criminal Court—and contribute to shielding ongoing violations from independent documentation.

Escalating Human Losses

The killing of Washah raises the number of Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023 to 262, including journalists who were killed alongside members of their families.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, the total number of martyrs has reached 72,317, representing those whose bodies have been recovered and identified. A significant number of victims remain under rubble or in areas inaccessible to rescue teams due to ongoing attacks and severe shortages of fuel, equipment, and medical supplies.

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire on October 10, 2025, violations by the Israeli occupation army have continued in the months that followed. Since that date, 1,497 Palestinians have been added to the list of martyrs, including 738 individuals directly killed, while 759 bodies have been recovered from rubble and roadsides—figures that reflect the persistence of hostilities and their devastating humanitarian consequences.

Violations of International Law

Women Journalists Without Chains emphasizes that the targeting and killing of journalists constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and Additional Protocol I of 1977, which guarantee the protection of civilians, including media professionals.

The organization affirms that the recurring and systematic nature of these acts amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity, and falls within acts constituting the crime of genocide.

It further stresses that denying journalists in Gaza their fundamental rights—foremost the right to life and the right to freely practice journalism—represents a direct violation of internationally recognized protections.

Expanding Information Restrictions

At the same time, Israeli authorities continue to impose restrictions on the entry of foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip. The decision by the Israeli Supreme Court to grant additional time to consider access for international media reflects an ongoing policy of limiting independent coverage.

Such measures contribute to the creation of an information blackout, hindering documentation efforts, weakening accountability mechanisms, and obstructing victims’ access to justice.

Call for International Responsibility

In light of these developments, Women Journalists Without Chains calls on the international community, particularly the United Nations and the Human Rights Council, to:

- Open independent and impartial investigations into violations committed by Israeli occupation forces  
- Ensure accountability for those responsible  
- Provide immediate protection for Palestinian journalists  
- Guarantee unrestricted access for international media to the Gaza Strip  

The organization reiterates that protecting journalists is integral to safeguarding truth, accountability, and the effective application of international law.