In October, a Reuters journalist was killed by Israeli tank shells according to recent investigations. The incident occurred near the Israel-Gaza border in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The journalist was identified as Yasser Murtaja, a thirty-year-old father of two and was reported to be covering protests at the Great March of Return on the Israel-Gaza border that started in late March.
This tragedy took place amidst the retaliation of Israeli forces towards the Great March of Return which saw thousands of Palestinians taking to the streets to demand the right to return to their former homes in what is now Israel. The protest has resulted in numerous injuries and deaths in the area, including the death of Murtaja. His death has prompted numerous international calls to investigate the incident.
The independent investigations by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) concluded that Murtaja was targeted and killed by live ammunition shot from Israeli forces and that the use of such excessive force was unnecessary and disproportional. This report has caused uproar among various human rights groups and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The UNGA responded by passing a resolution that condemns the excessive use of force by Israeli forces and further demanded a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The death of Yasser Murtaja serves as a stark reminder to the world of the dangers of repression and excessive violence. The fact that an internationally recognized journalist was killed while covering a peaceful protest sheds light on the dire situation of human rights in the region and brings to light the urgent need for international intervention. The passing of the UNGA resolution is a positive step in the right direction towards greater accountability and enforcement of human rights standards.
The world must now stand together to demand a thorough and impartial investigation that delivers justice for all those affected by this tragedy. Yasser Murtaja dedicated his life to reporting the truth on the ground and his sacrifice must not go in vain. Only with a comprehensive investigation that sheds light on the circumstances of his death can justice be served.
