On Tuesday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York to condemn the recent killings of journalists in Gaza by Israeli forces.
Protesters brandished signs reading "Stop Targeting the Press" and "Journalism is Not a Crime," calling on UN officials and world leaders to hold aggressors accountable. The rally was sparked by the deaths of Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif and five other reporters who were killed while sheltering near Gazaâs largest hospital complex.
Israelâs military has defended its actions, stating that some of those targeted were Hamas militants masquerading as journalists. However, rights groups and press freedom advocates argue that the incident underscores the mounting risks faced by media professionals covering the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Global journalism organizations have documented a rise in attacks on the press this year, with Gaza reporting one of the highest casualty rates among conflict zones. Protesters urged the UN to strengthen international safeguards for journalists, highlighting that an independent press is vital for transparency and human rights.
As conversations continue at the UN, participants hope the demonstration will pressure policymakers to adopt stricter measures to protect reporters on the front lines of major global conflicts.
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Protests outside UNHQ over journalists' killings by Israel in Gaza
cgtn.com
