We are calling for an immediate end to the massacre of Palestinian journalists in Gaza and for the international press to have direct access to this territory !
- We are calling for an immediate end to the massacre of Palestinian journalists in Gaza and for the international press to have direct access to this territory !
Over this year and a half of conflict, nearly 200 Palestinian journalists have been killed by the Israeli army, including at least 43 killed whilst carrying out their duties. It is one of the largest massacres of journalists this century.
In light of this situation, we are calling for a collective citizen mobilisation and an immediate response.
They were journalists, not combatants.
At least 43 of them, like Hossam Shabat, were killed while doing their job, helmet on, bulletproof vest with the word “PRESS” written clearly on their chest, microphone or camera in their hand. Others died in the bombing of their homes or the tents where they had taken refuge with their families – a tragic fate shared by tens of thousands of civilians. Nor shall we forget our Israeli, Lebanese, and Syrian colleagues who have also been killed in this conflict.
There is every reason to believe that the Israeli army is seeking to establish a total silence about what is happening in Gaza, by preventing the international press from entering the territory freely and by targeting those who, on the ground, continue to bear witness despite the risks. A choice that is completely contrary to the principles of international law. Professional equipment for journalists, sent by RSF and other organisations, is still being blocked from reaching Gaza. Without these essential tools, media professionals cannot document the verifiable facts that are essential for any balanced coverage of the conflict.
To condemn this tragedy, we gathered together with the main organisations defending French journalists and press freedom on Wednesday, April 16, in front of the steps of the Opéra-Bastille in Paris. Support us by signing this petition.
We call for:
- An immediate end to the targeting of Palestinian journalists
- An end to impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes
- An immediate and unconditional access to the Gaza Strip for journalists from the region and for international journalists
- The delivery of the necessary equipment for journalistic work.
By signing this petition, you're declaring your commitment to truth, to justice and to the protection of those who, even in the worst conditions, continue to do their job with courage.
We are not demanding access to Gaza to replace Palestinian journalists. We are doing it to stand by them, to highlight their work, to protect them.
