German journalists call for protection of Palestinian reporters and critique uncritical publication of Israeli statements
Berlin (Quds News Network)- A group of 90 journalists in Germany has issued a public statement urging for immediate protection of journalists in Gaza, demanding access for international reporters to the war-torn region and denouncing the uncritical publication of Israeli military’s press releases.
The statement highlights the dangerous conditions for journalists in Gaza, with Reporters Without Borders reporting that 140 media workers have been killed since October 7, 2023, as a result of Israeli attacks. Among these, at least 31 journalists were killed while actively reporting, with most of the targeted despite being clearly marked as press personnel.
The group condemned Israel’s attacks on journalists, which they categorized as war crimes, and called for greater scrutiny of Israeli military statements. They emphasized the importance of a diverse range of sources and placing events within historical and political contexts. Additionally, the statement underscored the need for international media organizations to engage with Palestinian journalists on an equal footing.
The signatories also criticized the German media for their apparent reluctance to address these issues. They pointed out that many large German news agencies continue to rely heavily on Israeli sources without sufficient critical context. This one-sided reporting, they argue, risks distorting public understanding and potentially justifying violations of international law.
The journalists are calling for the lifting of the Israeli ban on independent international reporters entering Gaza, ensuring diverse and accurate reporting, and halting the unquestioning publication of Israel’s statements.
