Global Media Demands Protection for Journalists in Gaza NOW

UPDATE: Over 250 media outlets from around 50 countries are urgently demanding that Israel fulfill its international obligations to protect journalists in Gaza. This unprecedented coalition, organized by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) alongside Avaaz, is calling for immediate action as the plight of Palestinian journalists escalates.

For the past 23 months, journalists attempting to report from Gaza have been denied independent access, marking a troubling precedent in modern warfare. As local journalists face extreme risks, including displacement and starvation, the consequences are dire. At least 210 journalists have been killed by Israeli military forces, according to RSF data, with the most recent tragedies occurring just days apart. On August 10, six journalists were killed in a targeted strike against Al-Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, and on August 25, five more journalists lost their lives in consecutive attacks.

The global media community’s united front comes just ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, set to commence in eight days. The coalition is urging the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action against the ongoing violence toward Palestinian journalists and to demand accountability from the Israeli government.

Editor of The Journal, Sinéad O’Carroll, stated, “Benjamin Netanyahu’s government does not want the world to see what his army is doing in Gaza. His war on the Palestinian people is also a war on truth.” She emphasized the critical need for journalists to safely report on the ground and for international media to have access to Gaza for comprehensive coverage.

Maria Delaney, Editor of The Journal Investigates, added, “We cannot stand by and watch more of our Palestinian colleagues being targeted and killed for doing their job. Without journalism, there is no accountability.”

As this situation develops, the media coalition is calling for global solidarity and immediate intervention to protect not only the journalists but also the critical flow of information from Gaza, which is essential for understanding the humanitarian crisis unfolding there.

With the international community poised to respond, it is crucial to amplify these voices calling for justice and transparency. The need for safety and access for journalists is more pressing than ever, and the world must act swiftly to ensure their protection.

Readers are encouraged to share this urgent appeal, as the collective voice of the media can drive significant change in the face of such dire circumstances.