Petition to the Israeli Ambassador and the Prime Minister of Israel: Protect Journalists and Ensure Free Access to Palestine

Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu,
Dear Ambassador of Israel in the Netherlands Ephraim,

We address you with deep concern and outrage over the increasing violence against journalists in Palestine. Never before have so many journalists been killed in a conflict zone as in the past year. At least 128 journalists have lost their lives, including many who were clearly identifiable by their ‘PRESS’ gear. Hundreds more have been injured while carrying out their essential duty of reporting on the war, and at least 69 are currently imprisoned.

There are numerous reports of deliberate attacks on media professionals, actions that violate international law and the Geneva Conventions, which ensure the protection of civilians, including journalists, during times of conflict. Israel is a signatory to these conventions, and we urgently call on you to uphold your responsibilities.

We demand that the Israeli government:

Immediately cease all attacks on journalists working in Palestine, particularly in Gaza and the occupied territories, and fulfill its international obligation to protect journalists.
Provide safe passage and medical assistance to injured journalists in need, as required by international law.
Allow unhindered access for foreign media to the war zone, so the world can bear witness to the reality on the ground.
An attack on the press is an attack on the global community’s right to information. We call on you to respect press freedom and allow journalists to carry out their critical work in safety.