UN representative: “Israel is deliberately killing journalists in Gaza”

Serious claims have been made that journalists in the Gaza Strip are being specifically targeted, and in many cases, their deaths are not accidental but intentional.

This was stated by Ajit Sungay, a representative from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in an interview with the Anadolu Agency regarding the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

A painful truth on World Press Freedom Day

This conversation was organized on May 3, World Press Freedom Day. Sungay emphasized during the interview that Gaza has become one of the most dangerous areas in the world for journalists.

According to him, local media personnel are making great efforts to cover events taking place in Gaza, the West Bank, and other Palestinian territories. However, their activities are under significant threat.

Over 210 journalists killed

According to the Palestinian Journalists' Union, more than 210 Palestinian journalists have lost their lives since October 7, 2023. Ajit Sungay noted that in many cases, they were targeted while performing their professional duties.

This could be a war crime

The UN representative reminded that according to international law, civilians, including journalists, are a vulnerable group that needs protection during any armed conflict.

“I have never seen such a massacre before”

According to Sungay, the situation in Gaza is becoming catastrophically dangerous for journalists, unlike anywhere else. He is witnessing for the first time in his experience that so many media personnel have been killed in such a short time.

Respect for those on the front lines

Sungay expressed condolences to journalists who have lost their lives or been injured while fulfilling their duty around the world, as well as to their loved ones.

The events taking place in Gaza are considered a serious threat to the international journalism community. What do you think the global community should do in response to this situation?