La FEJ appelle à ouvrir « immédiatement » la bande de Ghaza à la presse internationale
Summary of the Situation in Gaza According to the European Federation of Journalists
In a recent assembly held in Budapest, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) declared that the Israeli occupation forces had committed a massacre in Gaza, unprecedented in journalistic history. The EFJ has urgently called for international media access to the Palestinian enclave.
With representatives from 120 member unions across 47 European countries, the EFJ emphasized the necessity of safeguarding Palestinian journalists and ensuring freedom of information. They demanded an immediate ceasefire to halt the ongoing civilian massacres, which have disproportionately affected journalists. The organization noted that the Israeli army is attempting to impose a media blackout in Gaza, aimed at silencing witnesses to alleged war crimes. Numerous international NGOs and UN bodies have labeled these actions as genocidal.
The EFJ expressed a collective responsibility to condemn this ongoing violence, emphasizing their solidarity with Palestinian journalists. They called for their right to enter Gaza, not only to provide comprehensive reporting but also to support and protect their Palestinian counterparts, who have shown remarkable bravery in documenting the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In light of the recent surge in violence since October 7, 2023, the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate reported a systematic campaign targeting journalists, resulting in 219 deaths among journalists and media workers, along with at least 430 injuries.
The EFJ reaffirmed the critical role of journalists in documenting these events and insisted that the cause of Palestinian journalists is a shared struggle. The assertion is not that Western journalist presence is essential for credible coverage, but to stand in solidarity with those facing unprecedented danger.
This urgent call highlights the dire situation in Gaza, underscoring the need for media freedom and the protection of journalists amidst a backdrop of escalating violence against civilians and media personnel alike. The EFJ’s statements reflect a growing international concern for humanitarian rights and freedom of press in conflict zones.
