PIFA’s STATMENT ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
On World Press Freedom Day, we raise our voices loudly to reaffirm the importance of press freedom as a fundamental cornerstone of democracy and human rights. We emphasize the significance of public freedoms, including fundamental rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We salute the courage and sacrifices of journalists and media workers in Palestine, who face daily waves of persecution, repression, and violence in confronting the systematic strategy of the occupation aimed at concealing the truth and covering up its crimes. In Gaza, the occupation directly targets journalists, with 135 media workers martyred since October 7th of last year, along with one journalist in Tukarm. Four journalists remain missing, and 100 journalists have been detained since October 7th, with most of them held under administrative detention.
The occupation has destroyed 77 homes belonging to journalists in Gaza, as well as 86 offices and media institutions, either partially or completely. These attacks represent a blatant violation of human rights and press freedom.
Palestine International Friends Alliance “PIFA” reaffirms its commitment to supporting press freedom and working to provide a safe environment for the practice of journalism with freedom and security. We call on all governments and international institutions to respect press freedom and ensure a safe environment for the practice of journalism with freedom and security. We believe that these values are the foundation for building a future characterized by justice and freedom.