Israeli Violations of Palestinian Journalists’ Rights: A Legal Assessment of Challenges and International Protection Mechanisms

Abstract

This research paper examines the systematic Israeli violations against Palestinian journalists through the lens of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, emphasizing the persistent failure of the international system to ensure their effective protection. The study analyzes the legal framework governing press freedom and journalists’ rights, referencing key international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Geneva Conventions, as well as relevant UN resolutions on the safety of journalists.Using a descriptive-analytical approach supported by documentary review and semi-structured field interviews with Palestinian journalists working for the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation between 2022 and 2025, the paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the patterns of violations, their professional and psychological impacts, and the practical limitations of existing protection mechanisms.The findings reveal that Israeli authorities systematically violate journalists’ rights to life and freedom of expression, amounting to war crimes under Article (8) of the Rome Statute, amid a near-total absence of accountability. The study concludes that the current legal protections remain largely theoretical due to the lack of international political will. It calls for effective prosecution before the International Criminal Court, the establishment of a dedicated UN investigative mechanism, and the strengthening of Palestinian institutional and union efforts to document violations and coordinate legal and media advocacy.