AMMAN, October 11, 2026 (WAFA) – General Supervisor of Official Media, Minister Ahmad Assaf, affirmed that Palestinian media has succeeded in conveying the Palestinian people's narrative to the world despite restrictions imposed by social media platforms and the Israeli occupation, as well as the heavy sacrifices made by Palestinian journalists. He stressed the importance of establishing Arab digital platforms capable of conveying the Palestinian narrative in different languages.
Minister Assaf made these remarks during his intervention at the main session of the fourth edition of the Future of Media and Communication Forum, held in the Jordanian capital under the slogan “A Changing World.” The session was attended by Princess Rym Ali, founder of the Jordan Media Institute and president of the Anna Lindh Foundation, and featured Jordanian Government Communication Minister Mohammad Al-Momani, Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos, Syrian Information Minister Khaled Zaarour, and Chairman of Egypt’s National Media Authority, Ahmed El-Moslemany.
Minister Assaf noted that Palestinian journalists have paid a heavy price while carrying out their professional duties, with more than 260 journalists killed since October 7, 2023, in addition to those injured and detained.
He affirmed that Palestinian media has successfully conveyed the Palestinian people's message and image to the world, thanks to the determination and sacrifices of Palestinian journalists, as well as the steadfast support of Arab journalists and free people around the world.
He stressed the importance of strengthening Arab dialogue and consensus to establish dedicated Arab platforms capable of addressing the world in different languages, or engaging with existing social media platforms to end policies that restrict and suppress Palestinian content and eliminate bias in favor of the occupation’s narrative, in a manner that ensures respect for relevant international laws and resolutions.
Assaf noted that the confrontation extended beyond the field to include the battle over the narrative. He affirmed that Palestinian media has succeeded in conveying its narrative to the world despite restrictions and the sacrifices made by Palestinian journalists.
He praised Jordan and the forum for choosing Palestine as the guest of honor for this edition, describing the decision as a tribute to Palestinian media, particularly the journalists killed while defending freedom of expression and conveying the Palestinian narrative to the world.
The forum is organized by the Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists, in cooperation and partnership with Jordan’s Ministry of Government Communication, with regional and international participation from media leaders, experts, decision-makers, and content creators.
Over two days, the forum examines the key challenges facing the media landscape, including the use of media in political conflicts, the spread of misleading and false information, the rise of hate speech and incitement to violence, declining trust in traditional media, the growing influence of social media platforms, and the expanding use of artificial intelligence in content production, as well as related issues of intellectual property rights and ethical and legal standards.
The forum features the participation of Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists; Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; and Noha Bawazir, UNESCO Representative to Jordan and Head of Office. Also participating are Moaid Allami, President of the Federation of Arab Journalists, and Nidal Mansour, founder of the Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists, alongside a number of officials, experts, and media professionals.
T.R.
