UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has issued an extreme condemnation following reports that two Iranian media workers may have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Syria. They described this act as an assault upon press freedom and international humanitarian law.
Iranian and Syrian state media report that two journalists affiliated with Iran’s Al-Alam TV were covering the aftermath of earlier Israeli military operations near Daraa when their vehicle was targeted, leading to both their instant deaths as well as injuring one more crew member severely.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO in Paris, issued a formal statement from their headquarters expressing deep concern over attacks targeting journalists during conflict zones.
“UNESCO strongly condemns the killing of Iranian media personnel in Syria. Journalists must never be treated as combatants and must be protected under international law regardless of nationality or affiliation,” according to their statement. Such attacks impede free press and public access to information in conflict zones.
Iranian officials have strongly condemned Israel for this action as it aims to silence independent reporting. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani noted that these journalists were covering humanitarian crises while on duty and demanded accountability from international bodies.
Kanaani described this incident as a war crime committed by Israel against unarmed journalists, in violation of human rights and international norms. She called on the international community to respond firmly.
Israel has not commented publicly on this strike but maintains that its military actions in Syria are designed to stop Iran from establishing military footholds and providing advanced weaponry to Hezbollah and other proxy groups. As yet, no independent evidence linking journalists directly with military activity.
UNESCO’s condemnation adds to mounting international outrage over the safety of journalists in the Middle East, especially areas affected by ongoing Israeli military operations. The organization reiterated its call for full investigations of any journalist killings as well as respect of Geneva Convention obligations by parties involved in armed conflicts.
“We demand an impartial investigation of this incident and a swift justice delivery,” concluded the statement.
Iran’s Journalists Union recently announced public vigils in Tehran and other major cities to honor those killed while Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has voiced its outrage regarding an apparent pattern of impunity for attacks against journalists in conflict zones.
“This incident is far from unique,” explained RSF spokesperson Clara Levy. “When powerful states and militaries target reporters without facing consequences, press freedom is put at stake.”
As regional tensions remain, the death of Iranian media crew has renewed calls for international protections for journalists operating in high-risk zones as well as clear accountability mechanisms in case these protections are violated.