The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today backed protest by Palestinian journalists called for Sunday and renewed its demand that the Israeli authorities carry out a full investigation into the killing on Wednesday of Reuters cameraman Fadel Shana in the Gaza Strip.

“The complete details of the Israeli Defence Forces’ actions need to be examined and the results of that examination need to be made public,” said IFJ General Secretary Aidan White. “This is the only way to ensure that journalists are not seen as targets in Palestine and that safety measures to protect them are in place and are properly followed.”

The IFJ is concerned that a lack of regard for civilian casualties on the part of the Israeli authorities may have led to the latest media tragedy.

“It’s not enough to express a shrug of regret. Military action is not without consequences and those responsible should be held accountable,” White said.

According to Reuters, Shana was killed on Wednesday by a shell fired by an Israeli tank. The explosion killed two other civilians and injured Reuters soundman Wafa Abu Mizyed. Shana was wearing body armour emblazoned with the word “press” and he was standing next to a Reuters vehicle which had the words “TV” and “press” written on it.

The IFJ’s affiliate the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate is organising a demonstration on Sunday to protest Shana’s killing.

For more information contact the IFJ at + 32 2 235 2207
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide