Israeli strike on Yemen newspaper kills 31 journalists, deadliest attack in 16 years: report

“This is a brutal and unjustified attack that targeted innocent people whose only crime was working in the media field, armed with nothing but their pens and words,” said Nasser al-Khadri, editor-in-chief of the 26 September newspaper, The Guardian reported.

The CPJ, The Guardian reported, said the strike was the second-deadliest incident for journalists it has ever recorded, after the 2009 Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines, in which 32 journalists were killed.

The Israeli military said it targeted “military sites” in Sana’a, including what it described as the Houthis’ public relations arm, accusing it of spreading “psychological terror.” The strikes were framed as retaliation for repeated Houthi attacks on Israel, which the Houthis say are acts of solidarity with Palestinians during the war in Gaza. The group has fired missiles at Israel and attacked Red Sea shipping since October 2023.

Rights groups stressed that journalists, even those affiliated with armed groups, are considered civilians under international law unless directly participating in hostilities.

The CPJ said the Yemen attack fits a broader pattern of Israel killing journalists across the region while justifying such strikes by labelling them as combatants. Since 7 October 2023, at least 247 journalists have been killed in Gaza, according to the UN. Israel has also targeted journalists in Lebanon, including those linked to pro-Hezbollah outlets.

“Since 7 October, Israel has emerged as a regional killer of journalists,” said CPJ regional programme director Sara Qudah, The Guardian. “This latest killing spree is a grave violation of international law and a terrifying warning to journalists across the region: no place is safe.”