UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has strongly condemned the killings of journalists Hossam al-Masri, Mohammed Salama, and Mariam Abu Daqqa in⁣ Gaza, reiterating her call to respect UN Security Council ⁢ resolution 2222. ⁣Resolution 2222, unanimously adopted in 2015, focuses on the protection of journalists,⁤ media‍ professionals, and associated‌ personnel as civilians in situations of conflict.

Azoulay stated that UNESCO is providing emergency assistance to journalists in the Gaza Strip, ⁣including psychosocial support,⁣ access to essential working equipment, and capacity-building initiatives.

Investigations Must ‘Yield Results’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the⁤ killings, expressing regret and describing the incident as a “tragic mishap.” he affirmed that the Israeli military would ⁣conduct “a thorough investigation.”

Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for​ the Office ⁤of the ​High Commissioner for ⁤Human Rights (OHCHR),told journalists in Geneva that Israeli authorities have carried out investigations​ in the past,given their status as the occupying power.

“but these investigations need to yield results. Ther needs to be justice. we haven’t seen results or⁣ accountability measures yet,” Al-Kheetan emphasized.

Background: UN Security Council Resolution 2222

Adopted on May ⁤27, ‍2015, UN Security Council ⁢Resolution 2222 unequivocally condemns intentional targeting of ⁣journalists,media professionals and associated personnel in armed conflict. It reaffirms that intentional attacks against these individuals are violations of international humanitarian law and​ may⁢ constitute war crimes.

The resolution calls on Member ⁣States to:

• Condemn unequivocally all attacks and violence against journalists and associated personnel.
• Investigate such attacks and bring⁤ perpetrators to justice.
• Promote a safe⁢ and enabling surroundings for journalists​ to perform their work independently and‌ without undue interference.