RSF Submits Fifth ICC Complaint Over Israeli Targeting of Journalists in Gaza

September 30, 2025 – Palestine – 

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has lodged its fifth formal complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the Israeli military of repeatedly committing war crimes against journalists operating in the Gaza Strip.

Since October 2023, RSF has filed a series of complaints to the ICC (on 31 October 2023, 22 December 2023, 27 May 2024, 24 September 2024, and now the latest) to press for accountability over attacks on media professionals. Their newest submission presents fresh evidence indicating that many journalists in Gaza have been deliberately targeted because of their professional roles.

Between May 2024 and August 2025, RSF documented at least 30 attacks against journalists—25 killed and 5 injured. The group contends that in most cases, journalists were attacked while working or simply for being members of the press. RSF condemns the fact that those responsible continue to evade consequences due to what it describes as political and judicial inaction.

Beyond journalists themselves, RSF highlights that family members and civilian homes have also been hit. In multiple incidents, relatives of slain journalists were injured or killed when strikes struck their residences. Some attacks occurred at locations known to be media hubs—such as press tents, cafes, or even hospitals used by journalists.

RSF further accuses the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of launching defamation campaigns, labeling some journalists as terrorists without substantiated evidence. As RSF and UN special rapporteurs say, these claims are exploited to legitimize further targeting.

In calling for ICC intervention, RSF stresses that prosecuting these offenses is essential. It urges the court to withstand pressure and fulfill its mandate: “Crimes against journalists must be punished.”

Reference – 

https://rsf.org/en/rsf-files-fifth-complaint-icc-about-israeli-war-crimes-against-journalists-gaza