Ramallah: The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate has reported that the Israeli occupation army has killed 210 Palestinian journalists since the onset of the Gaza Strip aggression on October 7, 2023. This revelation was made during a press conference and rally held in Ramallah on Sunday, in alignment with World Press Freedom Day.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Syndicate revealed that along with the journalists, 665 family members have also been killed. The press corps has faced widespread violations, with a large number of journalists wounded and imprisoned. The Syndicate's slogan, "Stop Media Genocide," underscores the gravity of the ongoing tragedy and the deliberate targeting of journalists and their families.
Omar Nazzal, Deputy Head of the Journalists Syndicate, highlighted the stark contrast between global celebrations of World Press Freedom Day and the harsh realities faced by Palestinian journalists. He emphasized the dire need for the basic right to survival, amidst what he described as "media genocide." He reported 2,994 crimes and violations against Palestinian journalists, illustrating a targeted campaign to silence the press.
Nazzal expressed solidarity with colleagues in Gaza and reiterated a commitment to bringing those responsible for these crimes to justice. He urged for international support to hold perpetrators accountable through legal channels. The resilience of Palestinian journalists, supported by international allies, was credited with garnering public opinion and strengthening the global support network for justice.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate also called for the release of journalists in Israeli detention, the rebuilding of media infrastructure in Gaza, and international support to continue journalistic activities. The statement urged the global community to enforce the principle of ending impunity for crimes against journalists, expediting legal actions against Israeli occupation leaders.
The statement also noted the painful irony of the ongoing media genocide coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, highlighting the unprecedented scale of atrocities against the press in Palestine by Israeli forces. It reported that over 17 months of conflict have resulted in the deaths and injuries of journalists and their families, alongside the destruction of press institutions and infrastructure.
The Syndicate appealed for increased financial, logistical, and moral support to sustain journalistic resilience amidst these brutal conditions.