In light of the catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip and the ongoing military escalation, where the Israeli occupation continues to kill civilians and destroy what remains of homes, social institutions, and medical facilities, the bombing of the Nasser Medical Complex and the killing of relief and ambulance crews, along with Arab and international journalists, has sent a profound shock to the conscience of Arab and international human rights and media organisations.
This heinous crime once again confirms to the world that the Israeli occupation authorities, through systematic targeting, seek deliberately to obscure the horrific humanitarian realities in the besieged Strip. This comes at a time when its devastated population has already been classified, according to international standards, as facing famine. It is yet another chapter in the ongoing policy of siege, displacement, starvation, and repeated mass exodus, carried out with utter disregard for the laws of war and the rules of international humanitarian law—laws the credibility of which is now gravely called into question in view of the tragic repercussions of this unequal war.
The League of Arab States, in condemning this crime in the strongest terms, has urged the international community to end its silence on the unprecedented atrocities taking place in Gaza. The number of journalists and media workers killed has now reached 244—exceeding the toll recorded in major wars of contemporary history.
Such heinous crimes against Palestinian media require, without delay, an independent and transparent international investigation. Professional bodies, foremost the International Federation of Journalists, must act to protect and support Palestinian journalists, while also working to secure access for international journalists into the Gaza Strip.
This assault adds to a long and tragic record of arrests, restrictions, and violations endured for decades by Palestinian journalists—journalists who have upheld the noble mission of a free press, committed to conveying the truth in perilous circumstances, often at the cost of their lives.
The war on Gaza and the continued targeting of journalists and media professionals highlight the urgent need for tangible solidarity with Palestinian media, and for the establishment of clear and effective legal mechanisms to enforce international agreements protecting civilians, including journalists carrying out their duties in times of war and armed conflict, particularly the International Convention on the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals.
Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi
Assistant Secretary-General
Head of the Media and Communications Sector
