Call Free Press Unlimited: Stop attacks on journalists, protect them!
Never before have so many journalists lost their lives in a conflict situation within a year as in Palestine. The Committee to Protect Journalists estimates the number of journalists killed at 128. Our partner, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate estimates even a higher number: 167 journalists. Several journalists have been seriously injured. We urge Israel to allow safe passage for those in need.
Dozens of cases are currently under investigation by international organisations, as there is evidence of deliberate attacks on journalists. In several cases, it has been confirmed that the journalists who were killed were wearing ballistic vests and helmets clearly marked with "PRESS," making them unmistakably identifiable as journalists. In addition to the journalists and media professionals, such as cameramen, who have been killed, approximately 350 others have been injured, and 125 journalists have been arrested.
Stop attacks
Free Press Unlimited is calling on the international community to speak out forcefully against the deliberate targeting of journalists. Therefore we started a petition calling on the Israeli government to protect journalists, provide access to medical aid, and grant international media access to Palestine and the occupied territories. In a message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Executive Director Ruth Kronenburg stated that the attacks on journalists must stop.
Just in the past few days, two cameramen from Al Jazeera - Ali Al-Attar and Fadi Al Wahidi - were seriously injured while working, and 19-year-old Hassan Hamad, who had been reporting from northern Gaza, was killed in a rocket attack on his home in Jabalia. He had just reported on an Israeli attack on the refugee camp.
This weekend, several journalists have been attacked in Gaza and are fighting for their lives. I ask you: give them the medical support they are entitled to. - Ruth Kronenburg
"We’re witnessing unprecedented events. Israel’s striking power is ruthless and renders the international community powerless. So probably this message will not reach you, Mr. Prime Minister," Kronenburg states. "Or make you act for that matter. Nevertheless, I do want to try. Because this is about people, real people. This weekend, several journalists have been attacked in Gaza and are fighting for their lives. I ask you: give them the medical support they are entitled to. Give them safe passage. Now. You also signed the treaty to defend civilians during war. And journalists are entitled to the same protection. We will hold you accountable."
Sealed off
North Gaza has been completely sealed off from the outside world by the IDF, as Israel claims that the terrorist group Hamas is regrouping there. Anyone attempting to enter or leave Jabalia is shot at. There are only a few journalists left in the region to report.
The aid organisation Médecins Sans Frontières still has a few staff members in the area and confirmed to the Dutch broadcaster NOS that the humanitarian crisis is all-encompassing. The area is constantly under fire, medical assistance is barely available, and there has been no access to clean drinking water for days. Additionally, food is scarce. Beyond the risk of death from bombs and bullets, large parts of Gaza are now facing starvation, which could be even worse. While people were waiting in line at a food depot, the IDF shelled the area—claiming Hamas supporters were present—resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people and injuring dozens more, many of them women and children.
Petition
Free Press Unlimited has launched a petition calling on the Israeli government to protect journalists, provide access to medical aid, and grant international media access to Palestine and the occupied territories. Sign this petition now to demand protection for journalists and ensure the world continues to witness and report on the situation in Palestine.
Together with CPJ and RSF, Free Press Unlimited urges Israel to allow severely injured journalists to be evacuated on humanitarian grounds. To this end, the three press freedom organisations have written an urgent request to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.
Read the urgent request for humanitarian evacuation here:
