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Press Freedom Center Event: Analyzing the Tragic Attack on Journalists

On March 12, 2025, the Press Freedom Center invites journalists and the foreign policy community to gather in Washington, D.C. for a critical examination of the harrowing events that transpired on October 13, 2023. That day, while covering an artillery exchange at the Israeli-Lebanese border, a group of seven journalists became victims of a lethal attack involving Israeli tank fire. This horrific incident resulted in the death of Issam Abdallah, a cameraman for Reuters, and severely injured several others, including American journalist Dylan Collins.

The event will feature notable speakers, including Bill McCarren, Director of the Press Freedom Center, and Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post's Director of Press Freedom Initiatives, who will moderate the discussion. Attendees can also expect to hear from journalists Maya Gebeily and Christina Assi, both of whom were directly affected by the incident; they will join via video from Lebanon.

The details of the attack are chilling: the journalists had positioned themselves on a visible hillside, clearly marked as press in an effort to ensure their safety. Despite these precautions, they were struck by tank fire, with the first shell claiming the life of Abdallah and severely injuring Assi, a photographer for AFP, who tragically lost a leg. The attack left an indelible mark on the lives of the surviving journalists, reshaping their careers and altering the fabric of their existence.

Further investigations into this incident have unveiled a stark reality: while organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have pursued investigations, there has been a troubling lack of scrutiny from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the U.S. government. The IDF maintains a policy against targeting journalists, yet the lack of accountability raises serious questions about the enforcement of these policies.

As conversations around press freedom intensify, particularly with ongoing tensions in conflict zones like Gaza, this event aims to confront the uncomfortable truths surrounding the protection of journalists in the field. As major news organizations prepare to resume operations in areas with high risks for reporters, it becomes imperative to demand clarity and accountability regarding military policies affecting journalists.

The Press Freedom Center, established to advocate for journalists facing persecution, wrongful imprisonment, and violence, stands firm in support of its members. As these courageous journalists from Reuters, AFP, and Al Jazeera seek justice, we encourage attendees to engage in this vital discussion on March 12.

Event Details:

• - Date and Time: March 12, 2025, at 6:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
• - Location: Ballroom, National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, 13th Floor, Washington, D.C.
• - RSVP: Interested attendees must register via email at email protected]
• - Streaming: If you cannot attend in person, the event will be live-streamed at [Press Freedom Center Forum

Join us as we confront these painful realities and advocate for the safety and rights of journalists everywhere.