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September 15, 2025 – Africa/Palestine
The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), part of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), has issued a strong statement condemning what it calls the heightened and relentless deadly attacks on journalists and media workers in Gaza. With at least 221 Palestinian journalists and media workers killed so far, the organisation demands that governments and international bodies act now to stop what it views as a systematic violation of press freedom.
In their declaration, FAJ mourns the deaths of colleagues and recognises the profound trauma carried by those who remain, many reporting under constant threat. Some have died while working or even off duty at home with family. News bureaus, clearly marked press vehicles, and radio stations have been struck. Journalists have suffered serious injuries, been denied medical care, or forced to work without protective equipment. Arrests, incommunicado detentions, ill-treatment, digital harassment and destruction of archives and equipment have deepened the crisis.
FAJ stresses these attacks are not isolated errors but a pattern of violations that breach both international humanitarian law and human rights law. It calls for immediate measures: full, independent investigations into every killing or attack; release of detained journalists; protection for media infrastructure and safe passage or evacuation options for reporters at risk. Also needed are credible medical treatment and consideration for those forced to work without adequate protection.
The statement expresses solidarity with the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), noting around 800 PJS members still operating in Gaza under extreme risk. FAJ echoes IFJ’s demand for an international convention binding states to protect press workers. It urges states, regional organisations and donors to provide urgent support, financial, physical safety, legal to those covering conflict.
FAJ’s message is also to the wider world: “African journalists will not look away and we urge the world not to look away either.” In an era of escalating danger for reporters in Gaza, global attention and collective action are essential to prevent further violations, defend the public’s right to know, and hold accountable those responsible.
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