Statements from the Media Office in Gaza and Hamas Regarding Israel's Attacks on Journalists

In the statement made by the Media Office of the government in Gaza on the occasion of September 26, International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Journalists, information was given about the attacks faced by members of the press and media organizations.

In the statement, it was stated that 262 press members lost their lives and more than 433 were injured in the attacks carried out by Israel since October 2023.

It was stated that 26 of the press members who lost their lives were women, and 28 media activists also lost their lives.

It was noted that Israel detained 50 journalists and media workers, 23 of whom are still detained and 3 journalists are missing.

It was reported that 32 of the families of the journalists killed in the attacks were destroyed with all their members, and 53 houses belonging to the journalists were completely or partially destroyed.

In the statement, it was stated that the damage in the media sector exceeded 800 million dollars, according to initial estimates, and that 143 media organizations whose buildings were destroyed or damaged continued their activities.

In the statement, it was emphasized that the targeting of journalists aimed to prevent the reporting of developments in the field and to hide violations against civilians, and the international community, the United Nations and press organizations were asked to protect Palestinian journalists, investigate the attacks and hold those responsible to account.

Hamas: Israel's attacks on journalists are war crimes that do not have a statute of limitations

On the other hand, Hamas published a written statement on the occasion of September 26, International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Journalists.

In the statement, it was emphasized that this meaningful day was realized at a time when Israel continued to target press members and media organizations in the region.

It was noted that Israel has murdered more than 262 journalists and media workers, injured more than 400 since October 7, 2023, and continues to prevent foreign press members from entering the Gaza Strip in order to "cover up the facts of the genocide."

Hamas pointed out that the killing of journalists, detention, exile and destruction of media organizations are war crimes and crimes against humanity that are not subject to statute of limitations under international law.

Call for solidarity to international institutions

The statement called on the International Federation of Journalists, the Union of Arab Journalists and media organizations around the world to condemn Israel's crimes against journalists, to force them to account and to take concrete steps to protect Palestinian journalists.

It was also stated that the attempts of Israel and some unnamed "collaborating companies" to block Palestinian media organizations on digital platforms showed "the power of the Palestinian narrative in conveying the truth and exposing the crimes committed by Israel."

"The occupation (Israel's) continuation of committing crimes and spreading lies requires the press and media organizations to fulfill their responsibilities, increase news and solidarity activities, reveal the truth and defend the deep-rooted national rights of our people," the statement said. statements were included.

The toll of Israel's violations against journalists

Since Israel launched its attacks on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, journalists working in the region have faced various difficulties, including threats, provocations, detention and murder.

According to data from the Palestinian Journalists Union, Israel killed 265 journalists, including 27 women, injured approximately 500 journalists and detained more than 34 journalists during this period.

It is stated that there may be differences in total loss figures due to changes in the calculation criteria of different institutions and organizations.