100 Members of the European Parliament Sign Letter Calling for Investigation into Attacks on Journalists in Gaza

SadaNews - One hundred members of the European Parliament, from all political groups, signed the written question submitted by Sandro Rotolo (S&D - PD), calling on the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, to pressure the United Nations to establish an international commission of inquiry into the attacks on journalists in Gaza, as well as to create international protection mechanisms for journalists working in Palestine.

This initiative comes in the wake of two recent attacks that resulted in the killing of six journalists from Al Jazeera near Al-Shifa Hospital and five others in Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis.

Sandro Rotolo, the initiator of the letter of signatures and head of the Italian delegation in the Social Democratic group in the Parliament, met with the head of the Palestinian Journalists' Union branch in Europe, Yusuf Habash, and journalist Shorouk Al-As'ad, a member of the union. They presented the written letter signed by 100 members of the European Parliament.

Habash provided an explanation of the union's work in Europe and the importance of initiatives and projects in Europe to support journalists and justice in Palestine.
They were briefed on several initiatives and activities being coordinated and prepared for the coming period, including a ship of journalists intended to be sent to Gaza in coordination with many media organizations and unions.

Shorouk Al-As'ad explained the situation of Palestinian journalists in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, and what her colleagues face in the genocide war, emphasizing the importance of pressuring European leadership in all possible ways to change the stance to align with European values and principles.

In the meeting, the head of the Italian group in the Social Democratic Party stated that Europe's inaction is a result of the choices of many European governments, which, in addition to issuing statements, hinder any initiative. He added, "We are working to ensure that the European Parliament adopts an official and clear resolution, which is a fundamental step to affirm the Palestinian people's right to truth and justice."

Member of Parliament Sandro Rotolo affirmed that those who target journalists are targeting the right to know the truth. Therefore, we call on the European Union to take decisive action: we need a commission of inquiry and international protection mechanisms for those who risk their lives daily just to convey what is happening. I strongly support the Palestinian Journalists' Union's initiative to organize a boat of journalists heading to Gaza. It is a courageous and real act that deserves our support."