International Federation of Journalists Calls for an End to Targeting Journalists in Palestine

February 20, 2001
 
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), accused Israel of targeting Palestinian media and called for an end to harassment of reporters in the West Bank and Gaza.
 
"The attacks on media have continued throughout the unrest in West Bank and Gaza", says the IFJ in a statement that was released February 20. "There is a strong suspicion that media are being singled out for special treatment. This is completely unacceptable and is a violation of international law," said Aidan White, General Secretary of the IFJ. The IFJ points to Article 79 of Protocol Additional to the Geneva Convention, which says that journalists must be treated as civilians and non-combatants.
 
According to Palestinian Human Rights organizations, more than 40 journalists, most of them cameramen and press photographers have been injured, since September. The numbers include eight foreign journalists of different nationalities. "However, some reports have the numbers at twice that level", says the IFJ.
 
In addition, the IFJ says that:
 
- At least three main media, including the Palestinian Public Broadcasting building, the newspaper Al Hayat Al Jadeedah, and Al Salam Television, have been shelled by Israeli forces.
 
- There has been systematic destruction of journalists' equipment, including cars with press markings and cameras.
 
- The Israeli authorities have prevented circulation of Palestinian newspapers from the West Bank to Gaza for at least three days.
 
- The Israeli authorities are restricting free movement of Palestinian journalists.
 
The IFJ called on media organizations to do more to promote safe conditions for journalists and other media staff. "Media teams need protective equipment and better insurance agreements," said Aidan White. "International codes of practice issued by the IFJ and leading media organizations like the BBC and CNN should be fully implemented now."
 
The IFJ called in its statement on the Israeli authorities to end harassment of journalists and not to target media outlets in Palestinian areas.