Gaza: UN security council must act
The International Federation of Journalists has called on the UN Security Council, to take urgent action to stop the deliberate and systematic targeting of journalists in Gaza.
The call after a third building housing media, including The Associated Press and Al Jazeera, was destroyed by Israeli bombs. The IFJ strongly condemned the attack. More than 30 journalists have also been attacked or detained. Internet services have been blocked.
In the wake of the attacks the IFJ has written to the Israeli authorities and to the UN secretary general and all Security Council members demanding an end to the deliberate and systematic targeting of media and journalists and a clear attempt to silence those reporting from on the ground in Gaza.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, said:
“Israel is in breach of its international obligations. UN Security Council Resolution 1738 specifically demands that states protect journalists and their support staff working in conflict environments. This outrageous targeting of media must stop.”
The IFJ has repeatedly called on the Israeli government to investigate attacks and targeted killings of Palestinian media workers. The IFJ also denounced the situation to the United Nations, submitting formal complaints to the Special Rapporteurs in December 2020. The IFJ believes that the lack of transparent investigations and the rampant impunity for those who commit these crimes are a breeding ground for continued attacks against media across Palestine and Israel.
Nasser Abu Bakr, president of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, will be speaking during the DM Week's Talk-Ins, on the latest news from Palestine.
Wednesday 19 May, 17.00: Journalism under attack: unions fight back! From killings to jailings, from internet shutdowns to job cuts and media closures journalism across the globe is under threat. Join the International Federation of Journalists and unions from around the world to hear about how unions are fighting back - and what you can do to stand in solidarity. Jeremy Dear, IFJ deputy general secretary, will chair a panel of: Sakeus Likela, general secretary of the Namibia Media Professionals Union, talking about the strike at NBC; Sabina Inderjit, general secretary of the Indian Journalists Union, speaking about the siege of Kashmir and the use of sedition laws against journalists; Ayse Duzkan, Turkish journalist and union leader who was jailed on the fight for media freedom under Erdogan; Nasser Abu Bakr, president of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate on the current miltary offensive in Gaza and the targeting of journalists; Jon Schleuss, president of The News Guild from the US talking about the new wave of unionisation among media workers; and Jim Boumelha, IFJ honorary treasurer, on the unions’ fight against impunity; plus contributions from Turkey and the US.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/99355063971?pwd=TURkUXRaa2NyNmo4V3duVkJLWWc1dz09
Passcode: 660488