Journalist deaths in Gaza are a grave violation of the right to life and freedom on expression - ActionAid
23 Oct 2023 01:03pm
Picture for illustrative purposes - FILE PIX
The most recent victim was Rushdi Sarraj, a young Palestinian photojournalist who was killed on Sunday when his home was bombed, Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported the statement said.
"Palestinian journalists have been bravely documenting the bombardment of Gaza over the last two weeks at great personal risk so that the world can witness the devastation being wrought on the civilian population there. With no foreign journalists allowed into the country since October 7, their dedication has provided a vital window onto the unfolding crisis,” the statement said.
They have continued to work despite facing the same threats and difficulties as the rest of Gaza’s 2.2 million inhabitants, wondering where they can find safety from continuous airstrikes, where they can find food or clean water to drink, unsure of whether they and their families will survive the day, it said.
"Under international humanitarian law, journalists are protected - as civilians from deliberate and direct attack. ActionAid is calling for an immediate ceasefire now to protect them and all civilians in Gaza.”
WAFA also quoted Riham Jafari, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator at ActionAid Palestine said Palestinian journalists in Gaza had put their lives at risk and continue their media coverage in Gaza despite continuous Israeli airstrikes, a lack of protection and safety, disrupted communications, and electricity cuts.
"We appeal to the international community to immediately intervene to investigate the attacks on journalists and media properties in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Attacking journalists is a violation of the right to life and freedom of expression.
"Journalists in Gaza are civilians and they must be protected to continue their work without interference, to enable people around the world to know and understand the reality of humanitarian and political conditions in the Gaza Strip,” she added - BERNAMA
