The International Alliance of Friends of Palestine saluted the courage and sacrifices of journalists and workers in Palestine, who face daily waves of persecution, oppression and violence in confronting the systematic strategy of the occupation that aims to hide the truth and cover up its crimes.

The coalition added in a statement on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, a copy of which was sent together: that the occupation directly targeted journalists in the Gaza Strip, as 135 workers in the media sector were martyred since the seventh of last October, in addition to one journalist in the city of Tulkarm. There are also 4 journalists still missing. 100 male and female journalists have been arrested since last October 7, and 45 journalists remain in detention, most of whom were transferred to administrative detention.

He continued: “On World Press Freedom Day, we strongly raise our voice to emphasize the importance of press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy and human rights. We stress the i
mportance of public freedoms, which include basic rights guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

The coalition added, “The occupation has completely or partially destroyed 77 journalists’ homes in the Gaza Strip, and 86 offices and media institutions. These attacks represent a blatant violation of human rights and freedom of the press.”

The International Alliance of Friends of Palestine renewed its commitment to supporting press freedom and working to provide a safe environment to practice journalism freely and safely.

He called on all governments and international institutions to “respect freedom of the press and ensure a safe environment for practicing journalism freely and safely. We believe that these values are the basis for building a future dominated by justice and freedom

Source: Maan News Agency