Protecting journalists in Gaza responsibility of everyone believing in democracy: Turkish communications director

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Protecting the rights and legal status of journalists in Gaza is a responsibility of everyone who believes in democracy and freedom, Türkiye's communications director said on Thursday, which is annually marked as International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

"The international community and media organizations must raise their voices more in the face of this disgrace and humanitarian crisis, and they should strongly react to journalists being killed while performing their duties," Fahrettin Altun said on X.

"Although freedom of the press and expression should be discussed, we are forced to bring up the right to life, which highlights the extent of the brutality."

Reminding that 38 journalists have so far been killed in Israel's heavy attacks on Gaza since Oct. 7, Altun said the ongoing killings and rights violations in the besieged Palestinian enclave are "unacceptable."

Israeli army has expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since a cross border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

More than 10,300 people have since been killed in the conflict, including at least 8,796 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.

Besides the large number of casualties and displacement, basic supplies are running low for the 2.3 million residents in Gaza due to the Israeli siege.

Reporters in in Gaza face particularly high risks as they try to cover the conflict in the face of an Israeli ground assault on Gaza City, devastating Israeli airstrikes, disrupted communications, and extensive power outages, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.