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December 10, 2025 – Turkey –
Türkiye’s First Lady has publicly denounced the repeated targeting of journalists in Gaza, calling the pattern of violence against media workers “systematic” and highlighting the courage of women reporters covering the conflict.
At a panel event in Ankara focused on press freedom and women in journalism, Emine Erdoğan criticized the high number of attacks and fatalities journalists have suffered while reporting from Gaza. She characterized the assaults as “deliberate and coordinated efforts to silence crucial voices,” urging the international community to recognize the peril media workers face in the besieged territory.
Erdoğan spotlighted the particularly brave role of women journalists in Gaza — describing them as “symbols of wisdom and courage,” whose reporting helps illuminate the daily realities of life amid war. She emphasized that their work not only documents human suffering but also serves as a testament to resilience in the face of intimidation and physical danger.
The First Lady’s remarks came during an event supported by communication and press bodies in Türkiye, which focused on the distinct challenges faced by women journalists worldwide. Organizers noted that women in conflict zones, such as Gaza, often confront threats that combine both gender-based violence and professional targeting — from online harassment and verbal abuse to physical danger on the frontlines.
Panelists called for stronger global mechanisms to protect journalists in active conflict zones, especially women, and urged that violations of press freedom be addressed in international forums. They reiterated that independent reporting is vital for transparency and accountability, particularly during armed conflict when access to verified information is often restricted or manipulated.
Human-rights and press-freedom advocates welcomed Erdoğan’s comments as a meaningful gesture of solidarity, saying that senior political figures speaking out can help draw attention to ongoing violations and pressure belligerents to respect international norms protecting journalists. However, they also stressed that statements must be paired with actionable steps — including safe access provisions, accountability mechanisms, and diplomatic engagement — to make a tangible difference for journalists operating under fire.
The panel highlighted how, in addition to the physical risks, journalists in Gaza — particularly women — must navigate displacement, restricted movement, and psychological trauma while continuing to document and report on one of the deadliest environments for media workers in recent history.
As international attention on press freedom intensifies, the role of women journalists in conflict regions remains both a point of concern and a rallying cry for global protections.
Reference –
https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/turkiye-comms-panel-spotlights-gazas-women-journalists/news
