At least 58 journalists have been killed since 7 October [29 November], the date of the deadly Hamas attack, followed by the Israeli army's bloody response in the Gaza Strip. Never in recent history has the profession experienced such a massacre in such a short space of time, a 'journacide'.
In daily contact with the PJS, the IFJ decided to go to Palestine to assess the situation and to support its sisters and brothers, both in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip.
From 21 to 24 November, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger was welcomed to Ramallah in the West Bank by PJS President Nasser Abu Baker, who is also IFJ Vice-President.
The PJS organised a working meeting between the IFJ General Secretary and the elected officers of the union, and then with injured journalists and journalists who have been detained in Israeli prisons.
Numerous media visits also took place in Ramallah – to the Palestine Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), Al Jazeera, Al Arabia TV, Nisaa FM, Ajyal Radio Network and the editorial office of the daily Al-Ayyam – and all these exchanges showed just how nightmarish the daily lives of Palestinian journalists are, both in the West Bank and Gaza. When journalists are not being molested, threatened or injured by the Israeli military, they are prevented from covering events because the Internet is cut off by the Israeli authorities.
Finally, a delegation from the PJS and the IFJ met the director of the UNESCO office in Ramallah, the United Nations agency responsible for the protection and safety of journalists. They started preparations for the post-conflict period in the Gaza Strip. This will include the delivery of medical kits for first aid, batteries for mobile phones, bullet-proof waistcoats and helmets, as well as the installation of a "safe house" in Khan Younès, in southern Gaza, so that journalists can work in a safe and secure environment.
For his part, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger reiterated that "the IFJ's duty is to stand by its Palestinian members, whether they are in the West Bank or Gaza. We are calling for a definitive ceasefire. This massacre must stop immediately and I call on the Israeli government to respect international law, which protects civilians, including journalists. Solidarity is at the heart of our actions and the IFJ would like to remind you this week that it will continue to work with the United Nations and its affiliates to ensure a decent future for your members. The IFJ stands in full solidarity with the Palestinian journalists who continue to fulfill their mission to inform. As soon as the situation allows, the IFJ will visit Gaza.”
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