By Loxion News | April 2026
The South African National Editors’ Forum has strongly condemned the ongoing targeting and killing of journalists amid the intensifying conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
In a statement released on Thursday, SANEF described the attacks on media workers as “unconscionable,” warning that the war is increasingly being marked by deliberate efforts to silence journalists and suppress the truth.
Rising Death Toll Among Journalists
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least eight journalists have been killed since the escalation began on 28 February 2026.
In just the past 48 hours, three more journalists lost their lives in strikes in Lebanon:
- Ghada Dayekh (Sawt al-Farah)
- Suzan Khalil (Al-Manar TV)
- Mohammed Samir Washah (Al Jazeera)
SANEF Chairperson Makhudu Sefara said the pattern of attacks suggests journalists are being deliberately targeted.
“International law is clear: journalists are civilians and must be protected. To target them is a war crime,” said Sefara.
Media Freedom Under Threat
Beyond physical attacks, SANEF has raised alarm over increasing restrictions on media freedom in both Israel and Iran.
In Israel, emergency regulations and military censorship have severely limited press freedom, with journalists facing possible imprisonment for reporting on the realities of the war.
Meanwhile, in Iran, authorities have reportedly taken harsh action against media workers. The judiciary has ordered:
- Identification of journalists linked to foreign outlets
- Freezing of bank accounts
- Seizure of assets
These measures, SANEF argues, are designed to suppress reporting on the human cost of the conflict.
Targeting Media Infrastructure
SANEF also highlighted growing concerns over direct attacks on media infrastructure, including:
- Bombing of state media facilities in Iran
- Strikes on clearly marked press vehicles in Lebanon
The organisation says these actions represent a deliberate attempt to dismantle journalism in the region.
Call for International Intervention
SANEF has called on global institutions, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, to urgently investigate the killings.
The organisation is urging authorities to treat the incidents as targeted assassinations and to challenge laws that enable censorship.
Solidarity with Journalists
SANEF expressed solidarity with journalists working under extreme conditions in Iran, Israel, and Lebanon, many of whom face threats from both violence and state repression.
“Impunity for these crimes must end,” the organisation said, warning that attacks on the media undermine democracy and global human rights.
About SANEF
The South African National Editors’ Forum is a non-profit body representing editors, senior journalists, and media professionals across South Africa. The organisation advocates for:
- Media freedom
- Ethical journalism
- Freedom of expression
- Training and development in the media sector
