Doha: The Arab League has condemned what it described as the unprecedented targeting of Palestinian journalists during the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, revealing that 209 journalists have been killed since October 8, 2023. The organization denounced these killings as part of a broader campaign of systematic and deliberate violations by Israeli occupation forces, which include forced displacement, physical assaults, confiscation of equipment, blocking of websites, and denial of internet access.
According to Qatar News Agency, in a statement marking Arab Media Day, observed annually on April 21, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi highlighted the gravity of these atrocities. He emphasized that such acts raise serious concerns about the lack of necessary guarantees to ensure journalists can carry out their duties in safe environments, especially in conflict zones. He called for effective mechanisms to implement existing international protections for journalists, as outlined in instruments such as the Geneva Conventions, the International Convention on the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals, and relevant UN and UNESCO resolutions. He also stressed the need for reforms to strengthen this legal framework.
Khattabi urged regional and global media outlets, along with social media platforms, to show greater solidarity with Palestinian media institutions, which he described as being on the frontlines of Palestinian resilience in the face of starvation, terror, and forced displacement. He praised Palestinian journalists for their tireless efforts in reporting on the catastrophic conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories with professionalism, courage, and selflessness efforts that have played a vital role in awakening global conscience and countering false Israeli narratives.
He noted that this year's Arab Media Day comes amid the ongoing Israeli aggression and blockade on Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, injuries, disappearances, and the destruction of public and private infrastructure, including healthcare, educational, and social facilities. These actions, he said, constitute blatant and grave violations of international humanitarian law, particularly its provisions for the protection of civilians, including medical teams, emergency workers, and media professionals.
Khattabi also highlighted that the theme for the 2025 Arab Media Excellence Award "Youth and New Media" presents a valuable opportunity for journalists, influencers, and content creators to shed light on the horrors of this devastating war and convey its tragic reality to the world.
The Arab League commemorates Arab Media Day each year on April 21, in accordance with a decision adopted by the Council of Arab Information Ministers at its 46th regular session. The observance aligns with the objectives of the Arab League Charter and serves as a platform for policymakers to shape media strategies, promote excellence and innovation, and foster deeper regional media integration to address the challenges facing Arab media today.