TEHRAN – Israeli airstrikes at the offices of two newspapers in Yemen on September 26th and Yemen, Yemen, claimed the lives of 32 journalists and media staff. The attacks that Israel has admitted are seen as deliberate attempts to silence the media and intimidate Yemeni people, and have elicited widespread criticism from analysts and human rights observers.
In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times, Yemeni journalist and analyst Abdulrahman Rajeh described the attack as a serious violation of international law. He emphasized that strikes target purely civilian locations, and that journalists fulfill their professional duties, making this a clear example of war crimes.
“The hit regions were completely non-military,” Raje said. “Journalists and media agencies have the right to protect them under international law. Targeting them is a blatant attack on freedom of the press and a crime against humanity.”
Political motivation behind the strike
Raje explained that the attack was politically motivated and intended to undermine the voices of the Ansalala movement. He said Israel is attempting to instill fear among Yemeni people to intimidate military and civilian supporters, and effectively halt Yemeni defence operations.
“These are not isolated cases,” he added. “Israel has previously targeted Yemen’s civil infrastructure, including Hodeida and Salif, power stations and fuel station ports, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties. The victims have never been in military affiliation.”
Similarities with Gaza
Raje has drawn similarities between the ongoing situation in Yemen and the Israeli attacks in Gaza. “What we are witnessing in Yemen reflects the events of Gaza. Civilians and non-military regions are being targeted extensively, leading to large-scale casualties,” he said. “The attack on journalist colleagues is just one example of this inhumane strategy.”
He warned that global silence over these attacks would burn Israel and continue to do such illegal activities. “The patterns seen in Gaza have now been moved to Yemen, indicating that Israel is ignoring international law and ethical norms,” emphasized Raaij.
“Israel wants to send a message that if we can’t shut your army, we will kill civilians in a horrifying way.” Intimidation and civilian horror.
According to Rajeh, the ultimate goal of these strikes is blackmail. “Israel wants to send a message. If we can’t shut your army down, we will kill civilians in a horrifying way,” he said. However, he emphasized that such atrocities would not stop Yemen’s military operations. On the contrary, journalists said they would strengthen public support for the Yemeni army and promptly call for decisive retaliation.
Solidarity with Gaza
Analysts noted that Yemen’s public support for Gaza continues unabated. “Gaza is truly isolated and lacks external support, so Yemeni people feel deep solidarity with the population. Yemeni’s recent public protests are unprecedented and show unwavering support for both Gaza and Yemeni resistance.”
Impact on freedom of press
Rajeh warned of the serious impact on freedom of the press throughout the region. “Targeting journalists and independent media outlets threatens freedom of expression. Media organizations should not remain silent. They have an obligation to report these atrocities,” he pointed out.
He criticized international organizations and government for their calm response. “If such attacks occur elsewhere, immediate condemnation will continue. However, the silence against Israeli strikes against journalists in Gaza and Yemen encourages further inhumane behavior,” Raje explained.
“Israel’s silence against journalists in Gaza and Yemeni encourages further inhumane behavior.”
Raje called for international condemnation and accountability measures against Israel. “The global community must take responsibility for this mass murder, which clearly violates human rights. The world must make it clear that such practices are unacceptable in the 21st century, even if the war cannot be stopped.”
He also highlighted that the strike targeted important private infrastructure, including Yemen’s central bank in JAWF, JAWF’s provincial and municipal buildings, and the National Museum in Sanaa. “These attacks reflect deliberate strategies that harm civil and cultural institutions,” lamented Rajeh.
In conclusion, he urged media around the world to unite and amplify their voices in order to defend journalists and press freedom. “This is the minimum action we can take to oppose such cruelty and to make sure the victims are heard.”