21 Countries Emphasize Protection of Journalists in Gaza

SadaNews Translation - Several governments have reaffirmed the necessity of protecting journalists in the Gaza Strip and stopping their targeting by Israel.

This was stated in a joint statement by the countries of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The statement was issued after a high-level meeting held on September 24, alongside the United Nations General Assembly meetings, organized by France in collaboration with Reporters Without Borders, focusing on the situation of journalists in Gaza. At the conclusion of this event, this statement was endorsed by 21 countries.

The participants commemorated the journalists who were martyred in Gaza while performing their duties.

These countries affirmed their commitment to the safety of journalists and media personnel in Gaza, demanding guarantees for their protection, in accordance with international humanitarian law. This was also translated by SadaNews.

They called on Israeli authorities to allow journalists wishing to leave the Gaza Strip to do so and to permit independent foreign media to enter Gaza.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of press freedom and freedom of expression. They stated: Safe access to information is essential for empowering journalists and media workers to perform their duties. Free and diverse journalism is essential for the functioning of democracy.