Nearly 60 leaders from international and regional news outlets have come together to show their support for journalists covering the war in Gaza. In a letter coordinated by the Committee to Protect Journalists and supported by the World Association of News Publishers, these leaders have called for the safety and freedom of journalists working in the region, despite the intense personal risks they face.
The letter specifically calls on Israeli authorities to protect journalists as noncombatants, as required by international law, and to hold accountable those responsible for any violations of that protection. It highlights the incredible bravery of Palestinian media workers who continue to report on the ground in Gaza, despite facing grave personal risks such as injuries, loss of family and colleagues, destruction of homes and offices, displacement, and shortages of essential resources.
Signatories of the letter include leaders from prominent news organizations such as The Associated Press, Reuters, and The New York Times, as well as regional outlets across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The letter comes at a time when the war in Gaza has taken a heavy toll on journalists, with at least 94 media workers killed since October 7, making it the deadliest period for journalists since data collection began in 1992.
Most of the journalists killed in the war were Palestinian, many of whom lost their lives along with their families in airstrikes. While some human rights groups have accused Israel of targeting journalists, Israeli authorities have denied these allegations. The letter has sparked some backlash from journalists who claim they faced repercussions from their news organizations for supporting Palestinian journalists and civilians in letters critical of Israel’s tactics in Gaza.
In some cases, journalists have resigned or been fired for speaking out against the Israel-Hamas conflict, with news organizations citing violations of their neutrality policies. Despite the challenges and risks faced by journalists covering the war in Gaza, the letter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of press freedom and the vital role journalists play in providing information to the international community.
