International Day for Palestinian Journalists
On Monday 26 February join the special day to #SupportPalestinianJournalists.
Four months since the start of the war in Gaza, Palestine, on 7 October, a hundred journalists – the equivalent of seven per week –have been killed. Join the NUJ, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates on 26 February for an International Day in support of Palestinian Journalists.
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said:
“We continue to condemn the unprecedented killings of Palestinian journalists reporting from Gaza with immense bravery under unimaginable conditions. As we remember the 96 Palestinian colleagues killed during the ongoing war, we reflect too on the several others missing or injured whilst ensuring their accounts from the frontline are witnessed worldwide.
“The NUJ repeats its call for an immediate investigation by the International Criminal Court to ensure all incidents of the targeting of journalists constituting war crimes under international law, are properly investigated with perpetrators held to account. As we stand in solidarity with the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate and with all Palestinian journalists, it is incumbent on UK and Irish governments to do all they can to ensure Israel adheres to its commitments under humanitarian law. We call for the release of all hostages and for both sides to agree to a permanent ceasefire to ensure attacks on journalists and all civilians comes to an end.
“It is also vital that international journalists are urgently given access in order that they can report without restrictions on events throughout Gaza and the rest of Palestine.”
Staff and freelance journalists working across the ScottishNews.com
Natasha Hirst, NUJ president, said:
"Today is an opportunity for us to show our solidarity with Palestinian journalists who are working in horrific and traumatic conditions to bring the war to the attention of the rest of the world. Even the smallest of actions can make a difference, please join us in showing our support."
Gerry Curran, NUJ joint vice-president, said:
"In a world where happenings, events and wrongdoing are ever present and increasing, it is vital we have a free press allowing us all observe and reach our own judgments on news, as it happens. Never has it been more important than in Gaza now. Our union stands steadfast with all reporters’ rights to report freely, without threats and targeting. We support the International Federation of Journalists ongoing efforts to support Palestinian journalists and their safety."
Mobilise support for the media workers in Palestine, and notably the aid being sent to and distributed by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS).
The needs of our colleagues working in Gaza have become critical. In the middle of winter, they lack the essentials of clothes, blankets, tents, food and water. Basic goods, where they are available, are no longer affordable.
The NUJ and IFJ are also alarmed by the poor international coverage of the conflict, resulting from the world media’s exclusion from the enclave by Israel. All over the world we deserve to know what is going on in Gaza. This deliberate denial of the right to report is an abuse of media freedom.
Read Tim Dawson IFJ deputy general secretary’s report in NUJ Informed (p12).
How you can take part in the activities for Monday 26 February International Day for Palestinian Journalists.
- Download the campaign visual
- Take part in a minute’s silence at noon on 26 February to commemorate journalists killed since 7 October
- Post your photos, videos, documents, solidarity messages on social media using #SupportPalestinianJournalists and tag @nujofficial and @IFJGlobal
- Send solidarity messages to [email protected]
- Donate to the IFJ Safety Fund to support colleagues in Gaza and provide them with food, warm clothes, power banks and work equipment
As part of the International Day for Palestinian Journalists, Monday 26 February, members of the NUJ's Parliamentary Group join a top panel to explore the killing of Palestinian journalists in the most deadly conflict for journalists in recent history. Find out more and get a free ticket.
Early Day Motions
Ask your MP to sign Early Day Motions urging an end to the targeting of journalists.
EDM 284 tabled by Grahame Morris MP calls on government to urge Israeli authorities to desist from targeting journalists or media organisations and accept the need to help de-escalate the cycle of violence resulting in the human catastrophe. Read the EDM.
John McDonnell MP, secretary of the NUJ Parliamentary Group has tabled EDM 288 urging the International Criminal Court to expedite its investigation into the evidence submitted of the systematic targeted attacks on journalists by Israeli forces.