In an urgent call to action, 60 international journalistic and human rights organizations have urged the European Union to take decisive measures against Israel, citing a troubling pattern of violations against journalists in the Gaza Strip. The joint letter, directed to key EU leaders including Josep Borrell, highlights the alarming trend of deliberate killings of journalists amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The organizations, which include prominent entities like Reporters Without Borders and Human Rights Watch, emphasize the need for the EU to reassess its association agreement with Israel. This agreement, which governs trade and bilateral relations, mandates respect for human rights and democratic principles. Julie Majerczak, head of Reporters Without Borders in Brussels, stated that Israel's actions are a blatant violation of these principles, calling for immediate EU action to protect press freedom.
The letter details that at least five journalists have been confirmed killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, with investigations into ten additional cases ongoing. The situation has escalated to the point where the current conflict is reported as the bloodiest for journalists in decades, with over 130 Palestinian journalists reported killed since October 7. Furthermore, the Gaza Strip's government media office has reported that the number of Palestinian journalists who have lost their lives due to Israeli military actions has reached 170 in the past ten months.
As the EU engages in discussions regarding its relationship with Israel, the organizations stress the urgency of their appeal, urging the EU to uphold its commitments to human rights and press freedom. The international community is watching closely as the situation unfolds, and the call for action emphasizes the critical role that journalism plays in conflict zones.
