IFJ Launches Solidarity Appeal for Journalists in Gaza

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is appealing to its affiliates across the world to contribute to a special solidarity appeal it has set up to provide financial aid to journalists in Gaza who are desperately in need of help. The IFJ says that the current limited cease-fire may have halted the loss of life, but many journalists and families are now homeless after their houses were razed to the ground or suffered extensive damages as to render them inhabitable. IFJ’s Palestinian affiliate, the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS), estimates that 42 journalists and their families have been displaced in Gaza, 14 of them (read the list HERE) have had their houses completely destroyed and need emergency shelter. 25 have been injured and require medical treatment while 10 media facilities were also damaged in the bombing. The IFJ has committed 10.000 USD from its International Safety Fund for immediate use but warns that more is needed to sustain the relief effort and enable journalists in Gaza to get back on their feet. “The recent Israeli military offensive has left total devastation in its wake. Apart from the high death toll among civilians, including 13 journalists killed, the houses and lives of many journalists and their families have been either destroyed or badly damaged,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “We urgently need to raise as much funding as possible and as soon as we can to take full advantage of the current cease-fire and ensure journalists desperately in need receive the funds while the lure in the fighting lasts.  “We are therefore appealing to IFJ affiliates, media workers and members of the public to show their solidarity by contributing to this appeal as generously as they can. We also ask affiliates to circulate this appeal as widely as possible to their branches and ordinary members and encourage them to donate.” Donations can be sent to the IFJ International Safety Fund on the following account: The Safety Fund a/c BE64 2100 7857 0052 Swift Code: GEBABEBB BNP PARIBAS FORTIS BANK, Rond Point Schuman 10, 1040 Brussels Online secure donations can also be made through PayPal on the IFJ safety website  Please indicate in your communication: “IFJ Gaza Solidarity Appeal“ For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 17 The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries