European Federation of Journalists

European Federation of Journalists

EFJ calls for ceasefire and protection of the right to inform in Israel and Palestine

Palestinians search for survivors after an Israeli airstrike on buildings in the refugee camp of Jabalia in the Gaza Strip on October 9, 2023. Credits: Mahmud Hams / AFP.
  •    News
  •   26-10-2023

UPDATE (28/10/23):

According to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and the Union of Journalists in Israel, as of 3 November, at least 36 journalists were among more than 10,000 dead on both sides since the war began on 7 October: 31 Palestinian, 4 Israeli, and 1 Lebanese.

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The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has co-signed an appeal by journalists for a ceasefire and to protect the right of access to information in Israel and Palestine. The EFJ supports calls by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) for full and transparent investigation of any and all attacks on journalists. Israel and Hamas must respect the role that journalists play as non-combatant witnesses in times of war.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, 23 journalists have reportedly been killed since the hostilities began. Several have been injured and others are missing during ongoing military operations between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

“The EFJ joins the IFJ in calling on all combattants in this conflict to protect journalists and media professionals. We strongly condemn the targeting and deliberate killing of journalists. Journalists are the eyes and ears of the world in Palestine and Israel. Their role as witnesses is essential, particularly in documenting war crimes,” said EFJ President Maja Sever.

The EFJ supports the stand of journalists in Europe and other organisations, including our colleagues from the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA, Australia) in showing solidarity with all Palestinian and Israeli victims of violence and in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza amid evidence of a massive humanitarian catastrophe.

The EFJ co-signed the following appeal launched by journalists in Spain:

Journalists demand ceasefire and the right to report in Palestine and Israel

As journalists committed to human rights, we demand compliance with international humanitarian law and an immediate end to the bombing. We also call for a ceasefire to ensure the safety and security of the civilian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and in Israel, as well as the release of hostages held by Hamas.

We demand that the Israeli army guarantee the safety of journalists working in the Gaza Strip and allow the international press to enter, thus respecting the right to information.