US lawmakers demand probe into Israeli attack on journalists

Journalists, including Collins and Abdallah had came under Israeli tank, machine gun fire near Israeli-Lebanese border

Twelve US lawmakers, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch and Representative Becca Balint, have called on President Joe Biden to launch an independent investigation into an Israeli attack that killed Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and injured six others, including American journalist Dylan Collins, during a reporting assignment in southern Lebanon on October 13, 2023.

This incident, which involved an Israeli tank firing on a group of journalists clearly marked as press, has raised significant concerns about the treatment of journalists in conflict zones and the accountability of military forces.

Incident involved group of journalists, including Collins and Abdallah, covering the conflict near the Israeli-Lebanese border, approximately one mile from the nearest active conflict zone, when the Israeli military fired two tank shells, followed by heavy machine gun fire.

The attack resulted in the death of Abdallah and serious injuries to Collins, who sustained shrapnel wounds to his face, arms, and back while trying to help a colleague.

Another journalist, Christina Assi, lost her right leg due to the attack.

Collins and his colleagues were identifiable as members of the press, wearing vests marked "Press" and standing next to a vehicle labeled "TV" when the attack occurred.

The incident was documented by multiple news organizations, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for accountability.

In a letter addressed to Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Attorney General Merrick Garland, the lawmakers expressed their frustration over the lack of accountability surrounding the incident.

They criticized the State Department's previous response, which indicated that Israel was conducting its own investigation.

The lawmakers argued that this approach was insufficient given Israel's historical failure to investigate or hold accountable military actions that resulted in the harm of journalists.

The lawmakers stated, “Given this track record of inaction and impunity, the US government must act to ensure accountability for attacks on its citizens.”

They emphasized the need for a transparent and impartial investigation led by the Department of Justice, asserting that the evidence points to an unlawful direct attack on civilians.

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that an investigation was initiated into the attack, the lawmakers noted that no witnesses had been contacted, and no updates had been provided.

They expressed skepticism regarding Israel’s commitment to transparency, highlighting a long-standing pattern of disregard for the safety of journalists and civilians in conflict situations.

This incident is part of a broader concern about the treatment of journalists in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.

Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported multiple cases of targeted attacks against media personnel, leading to numerous fatalities. I

n the aftermath of the October 13 attack, four other journalists were also killed, raising alarms about the dangers faced by those covering the conflict.

The attack on Collins and his colleagues underscores the precarious situation for journalists working in conflict zones. Reports indicate that at least 128 journalists have been killed since the beginning of the conflict, with 126 deaths attributed to Israeli fire.

The CPJ has documented a troubling pattern of impunity, as Israel has failed to hold its military accountable for the deaths of journalists over the past two decades.

The situation has been exacerbated by the destruction of media infrastructure and limitations on access to Gaza for foreign journalists, further complicating the landscape for press freedom.

The CPJ noted that a culture of impunity has developed, where threats against journalists often go uninvestigated, contributing to an environment of fear and censorship.

The lawmakers’ call for an independent investigation is part of a broader push for accountability and justice for journalists worldwide.

Their letter highlights the United States’ role in advocating for human rights and press freedom, particularly in conflict zones where journalists face significant risks.

The investigation comes at a time when Israeli narrative has been propogated by Western media outlets like CNN who is facing backlash over an article about the mental health of Israeli soldiers who allegedly ran over Palestinians with bulldozers during their service in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israel's continued bombing campaign in Lebanon, with recent strike killing 18 people near a Beirut hospital, brings total death toll in Lebanon since September 23 to at least 1,552, according to AFP.

However actual estimated figures may be higher.

As the situation in Gaza and Lebanon continues to evolve, the response from the US government will be closely scrutinized, particularly regarding its relationship with Israel and its commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists.

The ongoing conflict and the increasing casualties among journalists raise critical questions about the protection of media personnel in dangerous environments and the responsibilities of governments to uphold international humanitarian laws.

The outcome of the lawmakers' demands for an independent investigation may set important precedents for future actions related to the treatment of journalists in conflict zones.