“Killing a journalist is a war crime.” International Press Freedom Call in Gaza, signed by over 200 editors
The funerals of the journalist Moamen Abu al-AWF, killed in a bombing of the Israeli army who targeted medical professionals. The attack and rescuers Hussein Muhays, Wael Al-Attar and Baraa Faris Afaneh were lost in the attack. Photo: Ahmed Jihad Ibrahim al-Arini / Anadolu / Abaca Press / Profimedia
Over 200 organizations and editors from all over the world require immediate, independent and unprecedented access for foreign journalists in the Gaza strip. The call initiated by the organization reporters without borders is signed, among other things, by Hotnews, Snoop, Recorder and Pressone.
The International Organization without borders points out that, for over 20 months, the Israeli authorities prohibit the access of foreign journalists in the Gaza strip. During this time, nearly 200 Palestinian journalists were killed in the territory under the blockade, at least 45 were targeted for their professional activity.
Those who are still relating from the field – the only direct witnesses of the conflict – are facing extreme conditions: forced relocation, hunger and permanent risks on life. The appeal launched by reporters without borders and the Journal protection Committee brings together important editors from all continents, who demand the right to send correspondents to Gaza, along with Palestinian journalists.
“The media blockade imposed on Gaza, doubled by the killing of almost 200 journalists by the Israeli army, makes it possible to completely destroy this territory and to delete it from the public consciousness. The Israeli authorities refuse the access of the foreign press and strictly controls the information that leaves the area. It happens ”, writes in the call.
“We ask for governments, international organizations and political leaders to break this silence and ask for the immediate opening of the gase for foreign journalists. A fundamental principle of international humanitarian law must be defended: killing a journalist is a war crime,” said Thibaut Bruuttin, general director of reporters.
Reporters without borders say that they offer concrete support to Palestinian journalists on the field – especially in Gaza – through partnerships with local organizations such as ARIJ (Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism). Through this collaboration, journalists benefit from psychological and professional support, so that they can continue to publish rigorous journalistic materials, despite the blockade and permanent dangers.
In Romania, until the time of publication of this article, the call was signed by the newsrooms HotNews.ro, Recorder, Snoop, the Journalist's House and Pressone, as well as by the ActiveWatch organizations and the Center for Independent Journalism.
The full list of signatory organizations and editors can be consulted here.
