UN representative: "Israel is deliberately killing journalists in Gaza"

There have been serious allegations that journalists are being targeted in the Gaza Strip, and that their deaths are often not accidental, but deliberate.

This was stated by Ajit Sungai, the representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who monitors the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, in an interview with the Anadolu Agency.

A sad truth on World Press Freedom Day

The interview was organized on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, May 3. Sungai noted during the interview that Gaza has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists.

According to him, local media workers are working diligently to cover the events taking place in Gaza, the West Bank and other Palestinian territories. However, their work is under great danger.

More than 210 journalists killed

According to the Palestinian Journalists Union, more than 210 Palestinian journalists have lost their lives since October 7, 2023. Ajit Sungai noted that in many cases they were targeted while carrying out their professional duties.

“Based on the information we have, there are indications that some of the deaths were intentional. They were killed because of their chosen profession,” he said.

This could be a war crime

The UN representative recalled that under international law, civilians, including journalists, are considered a protected group in any armed conflict.

“In many of the cases our team has investigated, these legal norms have been violated. The deliberate targeting of journalists can be considered a war crime. Each of the more than 210 deaths must be fully investigated and the perpetrators held accountable,” Sungai said.

“I have never seen such a massacre before”

According to Sungai, the situation in Gaza is more devastating for journalists than anywhere else. It is the first time in his experience that so many media workers have been killed in such a short period of time.

“Many journalists are being targeted in their homes, with their children. Their family members are among the dead. This is an unprecedented situation. We cannot even say exactly how many have been injured, because there is not enough information,” he said.

Respect for those on the front lines

In his remarks, Sungai expressed his condolences to journalists and their families who have been killed or injured in the line of duty around the world.

The events in Gaza are considered a very serious threat to the international journalism community. How do you think the international community should respond to this situation? Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!