Report on Israeli targeting of journalists adds to scrutiny of women’s foundation

An investigation highlighting the Israeli military’s targeting of journalists in Gaza has heaped further pressure on the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), which has come under fire for rescinding an award from Palestinian reporter Maha Hussaini last week. 

The Guardian published a report on Tuesday into Israel’s loosening of its interpretations of the laws of war, including by considering some journalists to be legitimate targets. 

At least 103 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israel’s war on Gaza since 7 October, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Other organisations believe the number is higher. 

The Guardian noted that Israeli officials had consistently characterised journalists killed in Gaza as “terrorists”, while providing little evidence. 

The investigation comes just days after IWMF withdrew its Courage in Journalism Award from Hussaini, who was initially awarded the prize on 10 June for her reporting for Middle East Eye in war-torn Gaza. 

Following false allegations made by conservative US publication the Washington Free Beacon, the IWMF rescinded the award. 

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