GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Israeli forces killed 15 journalists during the war on the Gaza Strip in July-August 2014. Some journalists died on the job, while others died in or near their homes during Israeli shelling.

The Fourth Geneva Convention considers the mistreatment or murder of journalists in times of war or civil uprisings a war crime. The convention provides war correspondents with protection from risks involved in conflict situations, and it states that journalists must be warned to steer clear of danger zones, and information should be provided about them in case of death, disappearance or imprisonment. When journalists participate in a conflict, carry arms or contribute directly or indirectly to aggressive operations, they are no longer considered journalists.

The Palestinian Human Rights Center (PHRC) has followed the legal cases of 11 journalists. Attorney Ahlam Mima, director of the center’s legal department, told Al-Monitor, “We have followed up on the cases of 11 journalists who were murdered during the war after their families lodged official complaints at the center.” PHRC has contacted the families of the other killed journalists, but did not follow up on their cases as their families have not submitted a formal complaint. Some people turned to other human rights organizations, such as the family of journalist Najla al-Haj, who delegated the investigation to Al Mezan Center for Human Rights.

Mima said that the cases were compiled after talking to witnesses, collecting evidence and determining the locations where the occupation forces had shelled the journalists.