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May 21, 2024 – Palestine/Israel –
Palestinian journalists reporting from Gaza were jointly honored with two of the world’s most prestigious press freedom awards, recognizing their extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and commitment to reporting the truth under the most dangerous conditions.
The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was awarded to all Palestinian journalists covering the Gaza war, marking an unprecedented collective recognition of a press community. The award, conferred by an independent international jury, was given “in recognition of their courage, resilience, and commitment to freedom of expression.” Since the start of the war in October 2023, over 100 Palestinian journalists have been killed, dozens more injured, arrested, or displaced, while continuing to document the war’s human toll under constant threat.
Nasser Abu Baker, President of the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate, accepted the award on behalf of Gaza’s press corps, stating that the journalists “paid the price with their blood to deliver the truth.” The ceremony took place in Santiago, Chile, on World Press Freedom Day, and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized that “the world owes a debt to the journalists who risk their lives for facts.”
In parallel, the International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) named Palestinian journalists in Gaza the 2024 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Heroes. This award recognizes their relentless reporting under siege, despite the destruction of media offices, targeted attacks on press-marked individuals, and repeated communication blackouts. The IPI noted that these journalists have become “symbols of truth-telling in the face of annihilation.”
The dual honors are more than symbolic; they underscore the global solidarity with Palestinian media workers and highlight the urgent need for their protection. Press freedom groups are calling for international investigations into journalist killings and accountability for those responsible. Meanwhile, Gazan journalists continue to report despite overwhelming personal loss and systemic targeting.
These awards stand as a tribute not just to individual bravery, but to a community of reporters who, in the face of war and death, have refused to be silenced. Their recognition affirms that journalism remains essential, even in the darkest of times.
Reference –
https://www.dawn.com/news/1834971
Palestinian journalists covering Gaza receive 2024 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero award
