UN Chief Calls Gaza Journalist killings ‘unacceptable,’ demands Press Protection amid Conflict

English , Middle East - مشرق وسطٰی , Snippets , / Friday, November 1st, 2024

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Anadolu Ajansi

Geneva, November 1, 2024 – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the rising death toll among journalists in Gaza, calling their killings “unacceptable” and emphasizing the urgent need to protect press freedom amid the ongoing conflict. His message was delivered at the opening of the UN International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East.

Guterres highlighted the challenges faced by journalists operating under extreme risk in Gaza and condemned the “ongoing ban preventing international journalists from entering Gaza,” asserting that it further obstructs access to truth. He also warned that the escalation of violence has intensified in Gaza and Lebanon, along with the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, which he attributes to continued military operations, settlement construction, and settler attacks.

Riyad Mansour, Palestine’s UN representative, also addressed the seminar, emphasizing that “a lack of accountability enables continued Israeli attacks on journalists.” He honored the memory of 182 Palestinian journalists who lost their lives and urged global support to secure their safety and uphold press freedom. Cheikh Niang, Senegal’s UN representative, similarly applauded Gaza’s journalists for their resilience in reporting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

As Israeli forces continue their offensive in Gaza, Guterres reiterated calls for an immediate cease-fire and the safe, unrestricted passage of humanitarian aid to civilians, reaffirming his support for a two-state solution to end the conflict.