French NGO files case with ICC over journalists' deaths in Gaza
French media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court over Palestinian journalists killed or injured in Gaza since December.
RSF said Monday it was asking the ICC's prosecutor to investigate alleged war crimes committed by the Israeli army against at least nine Palestinian reporters since 15 December.
The Hague-based court said in January it was probing potential crimes against journalists since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza, which has cost the lives of more than 100 reporters.
RSF said it had "reasonable grounds for thinking that some of these journalists were deliberately killed and that the others were the victims of deliberate IDF [Israel Defence Force] attacks against civilians".
Attack on 'right to information'
This specific complaint – the third the RSF has made – concerns eight Palestinian journalists killed between 20 December and 20 May, and one other who sustained injuries.
"All concerned journalists were killed [or injured] in the course of their work," RSF said in a statement.
Antoine Bernard, RSF advocacy and assistance director, said: "Those who kill journalists are attacking the public's right to information, which is even more essential in times of conflict".
Read more on RFI English
Read also:
UN Security Council votes for 'immediate' Gaza ceasefire, US abstains
Opinion split after three European countries recognise Palestinian state
France repeats 'strong opposition' to any Israeli ground offensive in Rafah
