Israel must ensure the safety of journalists in Gaza
The NUJ has joined over 70 journalists’ unions and organisations calling for the Israeli government to commit to the protection of journalists.
The call to Israeli officials co-ordinated by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) comes amid a growing number of journalists killed in Gaza since 7 October. The IFJ reports “fatalities among media workers has exceeded one a day – a rate that is without precedent.”
Signatories from every continent have urged Israel to ensure the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) comply with international law, with all reasonable steps taken to treat journalists as civilians and safeguard their lives.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
“The number of media workers who have lost their lives in three weeks of conflict is unprecedented. This rate of attrition among media workers has deeply shocked journalists the world over. No one can watch the growing tally of fallen colleagues with mounting horror.
“We demand an explicit commitment from the Israelis that their armed forces will take every effort to ensure that the grim tally of journalists who have died in this conflict rises no further – this is no more than is required by international law. This is simply unacceptable, and the Israeli government will have to accept its responsibilities.”