WBU Statement on Gaza Journalists and Media Workers

Download a copy of this statement HERE.

For Immediate Release

Oct 25, 2024 Toronto, Canada – As the war in Gaza enters its second year, the World Broadcasting Unions (WBU) condemns the continued targeting of journalists and media workers in Gaza and calls on media organisations around the world to report the latest figures on the number of journalists and media workers killed in Gaza.

We also call for justice for those who commit crimes against journalists and media workers and reiterate our condemnation of Israel’s refusal to allow international media to report freely from Gaza.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says at least 128 journalists and media workers have been killed since the war began on 7 October 2023. The CPJ says it is the deadliest period for journalists since it began gathering data in 1992.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says more than 130 Palestinian journalists in Gaza have been killed by Israeli forces.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), working closely with the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate, says the death toll is at least 140.

The WBU asks media organisations to explain to audiences:

  • The intentional targeting of journalists is a violation of international law.
  • Many of those who were targeted were clearly identified as media workers.
  • The death toll is only one statistic in the war on information; hundreds of journalists and media workers have been injured, arrested, assaulted, threatened or intimidated.
  • Journalists and the media fulfil a vital role in society, sharing information and improving accountability.

The World Broadcasting Unions applauds the work of organisations who are monitoring, verifying and recording attacks on media workers – including the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and the International Federation of Journalists.

We encourage media organisations everywhere to share their research to ensure audiences are aware of the plight of our colleagues in Gaza and around the world.

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About WBU: The World Broadcasting Unions (WBU) was established in 1992 as a coordinating body at the international broadcasting level. Since then, the WBU has provided global solutions on key issues for its member unions. The North American Broadcasters Association (NABA) acts as secretariat for the WBU.

For more information, please contact:

Nick Bernard, Marketing & Communications Coordinator / nick@nabanet.com

* NABA abstains from this statement

** AIR/IAB abstains from this statement.