Global concern is mounting over the escalating dangers faced by journalists, especially in Gaza, where the death toll among media workers continues to climb. Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), has urgently appealed for stronger international protections and accountability mechanisms during armed conflicts. Speaking at a recent event, Bellanger condemned the unprecedented targeting of journalists, noting that over 100 media workers have been killed in Gaza alone since the outbreak of hostilities. He emphasized that such deaths are not collateral damage but direct attacks on the freedom of expression and the right to inform.
Bellanger’s statement follows a wave of global protests and solidarity actions organized by journalist unions. The UK’s National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been particularly vocal, urging the international community to demand an immediate end to the killings. At the union’s recent Delegate Meeting 2025, held in Southport, NUJ members passed a resolution demanding accountability for the deaths of journalists in Gaza and an investigation into whether international humanitarian laws have been violated.
Laura Davison, NUJ General Secretary, reiterated these concerns in her address to the gathering. She emphasized that the deliberate targeting of journalists not only endangers lives but also threatens democracy by suppressing the truth. Davison called on fellow unions, media organizations, and governments to pressure Israel to uphold its obligations under international law, ensure the safety of journalists, and allow free press access to conflict areas.
The joint statements from IFJ and NUJ underline a broader concern that journalists covering conflict zones are increasingly vulnerable due to impunity and inadequate legal safeguards. Both organizations are demanding that the United Nations and other global institutions strengthen international conventions to protect journalists and treat the killing of media workers as a war crime when committed deliberately.
As the global journalist community mourns its losses, these voices urge urgent reforms and justice for those silenced while performing their essential role of documenting the truth.
