Carmichael warns of “indiscriminate” loss of journalists in Gaza
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today raised the “wholly indiscriminate” killing of journalists in Gaza since the 7th of October in Parliament. Mr Carmichael highlighted the findings of the Committee for the Protection of Journalists that 57 Palestinian journalists have been killed in the last two months, and called on the Foreign Office to challenge the Israeli government on the losses.
Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:
“The Committee for the Protection of Journalists have said that 57 Palestinian journalists have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the 7th of October. They say that this is the worst period for the killing of journalists since the start of records in 1992. Does that not just illustrate the wholly indiscriminate nature of what is being done by the IDF, and will he impress upon the Netanyahu government the complete unacceptability of that situation.
Responding for the government, Foreign Office minister Leo Doherty MP said:
“I don’t share his description of “wholly indiscriminate”, I don’t accept that, but of course I take seriously his note about 57 journalists – that is tragic. Of course we make representations to Israel to constrain and focus their operations and we will continue to do so.”
Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:
“If the government does not think that killing 57 journalists doing vital work in Gaza is “indiscriminate” then I dread to imagine what would qualify in their eyes.
“Journalists in conflict zones cannot be considered legitimate targets. That so many have been killed in these attacks at best suggests a scattergun, haphazard approach by the Israeli military. If our government cannot stand up for restraint then we can only expect to see more of these losses.
“There is a humanitarian disaster developing in Gaza for millions of innocent civilians. Last week’s brief pause in fighting should be a demonstration of what could be possible with greater political and diplomatic will. Ministers must act now to lay the foundation for a durable ceasefire.”