Al Jazeera Launches Campaign at UN to Highlight Attacks on Journalists
In a bold move to draw international attention, Al Jazeera has initiated an advertising campaign coinciding with the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This campaign aims to shed light on the increasing threats and attacks against its journalists operating in Gaza and the recent closure of its offices in Jerusalem and Ramallah. The network emphasizes its unwavering commitment to reporting on the realities of war and the Israeli occupation despite the growing dangers faced by its staff.
Addressing the Closure of Its West Bank Office
The backdrop of this campaign is the recent 45-day closure of Al Jazeera's West Bank office, executed by Israeli occupation forces. This action is part of a broader trend of suppressing media coverage regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The closure was justified by Israel under laws dating back to the British Mandate, citing charges of “incitement and support for terrorism,” yet no substantial evidence has been provided to support these claims. The campaign prominently features trucks driving around New York, displaying messages such as, “Journalism is not a crime; attacking journalists is a crime,” reinforcing the principle that reporting is a vital component of democracy.
A Call for Accountability and Global Awareness
Through this campaign, Al Jazeera seeks to emphasize that journalists performing their duties should not be criminalized. It aims to engage world leaders and the international community in a dialogue about the ongoing violence against journalists in the occupied territories. Al Jazeera calls for an end to the impunity that enables these attacks and demands accountability for those who target media personnel. As the world watches the UN General Assembly, the network hopes to elevate the conversation surrounding the protection of journalists and the importance of free press in conflict zones.
