In a show of solidarity and support for journalists covering the war in Gaza, nearly 60 leaders from international and regional news outlets have signed a letter calling for the safety and freedom of journalists amid intense personal risk.
Coordinated by the Committee to Protect Journalists with the backing of the World Association of News Publishers, the letter also urged Israeli authorities to protect journalists as noncombatants, as required by international law, and to hold accountable those responsible for violations of that protection.
The signatories, including leaders from The Associated Press, Reuters, The New York Times, and regional outlets across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, emphasized the crucial role that Palestinian media workers play in providing information about the situation inside Gaza, despite facing grave personal risks.
Since the start of the war, at least 94 journalists have been killed, making it the deadliest period for journalists since data collection began in 1992. Most of the media workers killed were Palestinian, with many losing their lives in airstrikes alongside their families.
The letter has sparked controversy, with some journalists facing backlash for expressing support for Palestinian journalists and civilians in letters critical of Israel’s war tactics in Gaza. News organizations have cited violations of newsroom policies as the reason for resignations or firings of journalists who have taken sides in the conflict.
Despite the challenges and risks faced by journalists covering the war in Gaza, the commitment to reporting on the ground remains strong, with calls for the protection and support of journalists continuing to be at the forefront of the conversation.
