RAMALLAH, January 19, 2025 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate reported today that 193 journalists were killed by Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip during 2024.
Nasser Abu Bakr, the head of the Syndicate, made this statement at the annual Freedom Conference held on Sunday at the Syndicate's headquarters in Ramallah. The event, titled A Wounded Voice and a Clearer Image, focused on the challenges faced by journalists working in Palestine.
Abu Bakr emphasized the resilience of Palestinian journalists, noting that despite the violence, including killings, bombings, and destruction, they remained committed to their work and continued to report the truth to the world. He confirmed that the Syndicate would submit its third complaint to the International Criminal Court regarding the attacks against Palestinian journalists.
Mohammad al-Laham, head of the Syndicate's Freedom Committee, presented the committee's annual report, calling for a focus on the human impact of the attacks on journalists. The report revealed that 86 journalists were injured by live ammunition and rocket shrapnel, with the number of killed journalists surpassing the number of injured, indicating that all injured journalists were potential targets.
The report also highlighted 64 cases of detention of journalists by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the destruction of 54 media institutions, either fully or partially, or their seizure and vandalism. Additionally, there were attempts by Israeli forces to run over journalists with military vehicles.
Al-Laham noted a significant increase in incidents of live fire directed at journalists to intimidate them and prevent coverage. In 2024, 148 such incidents resulted in injuries, compared to 85 cases of injuries from toxic gas inhalation and tear gas canisters.
The report also highlighted ongoing restrictions on journalistic work, including the detention, threats, kidnapping, and disruption of press activities through the targeting of communication networks and the hacking of Palestinian content on social media.
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