Over 50 press organizations around the world are participating in an international campaign to denounce crimes committed against journalists in the Palestinian territory of Gaza. BdF has joined the initiative, which urges media outlets to adopt editorial actions that highlight the scale of the crisis.
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which leads the campaign, more than 210 journalists have been killed by the Israeli military since the start of its offensive nearly 23 months ago. At least 56 of them were deliberately targeted or killed while on the job.
A separate survey from Brown University in the United States reported 246 journalists killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. The campaign of mass killings launched by Israel has become the deadliest military operation for journalists in history.
“Let us be clear: at the current pace of killings by the Israeli army in Gaza, there will soon be no one left to keep you informed,” warned Thibaut Bruttin, executive director of RSF, in a joint statement with Avaaz, a partner in the initiative.
Media centers attacked, journalists barred from entering Gaza
The international action is scheduled for this Monday (1st), just days after an Israeli strike hit a building in the al-Nasser medical complex, a well-known work site for media crews. Five people were killed, including reporters from local and international outlets. On August 10, another attack killed six journalists.
The situation is worsened by Israel’s refusal to grant independent access to foreign reporters. Local journalists—those best positioned to cover events—face forced displacement and hunger.
Due to the information blackout and lack of impartial coverage, the movement demands Gaza’s borders be opened to international media. “We reject this deadly ‘normalcy’ that, week after week, imposes new crimes against Palestinian journalists,” said Bruttin.
Calls for justice and protection of journalists
RSF has taken four complaints to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes against journalists. The organization is also providing material, professional, and psychological support to Palestinian reporters still working in Gaza.
Since the beginning of Israel’s attacks, BdF has condemned the genocide in Gaza and defended the free exercise of journalism. In line with its human rights commitment, the outlet not only reports on violence but also amplifies voices of solidarity with the Palestinian people and those demanding accountability from world leaders.
