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August 26, 2025 – General –
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, issued a powerful rebuke to members of the global press—“Shame on all journalists not raising their voice against the massacre of their brave Palestinian colleagues while documenting the genocide.” She made the statement on the social media platform X, reposting an image of a damaged camera labeled “The Weapon Israel Fears the Most,” suggesting it belongs in a future “Genocide Memorial” to honor the countless victims in Gaza.
This scathing call comes in the wake of fresh Israeli airstrikes that left at least 47 Palestinians dead, including six journalists, and left dozens more wounded, according to medical sources. The rapporteur’s use of the word genocide underscores the gravity of the violence and the perceived intent to silence journalists bearing witness to these events.
Meanwhile, Malaysiakini capped its coverage with a straightforward headline: “UN rapporteur slams journos’ silence on massacre of colleagues in Gaza.” The article, published on August 26, 2025, referenced the same incendiary comments by Albanese, underscoring how journalism’s ethical duty is being called into question. Though terse, the report amplifies that the responsibility to bear witness extends beyond local reporting to the global journalistic community.
Albanese’s criticism confronts a deeper dilemma: in the face of reported genocide and mounting journalist casualties, silence can equate to complicity. With media workers in Gaza under relentless fire, the Special Rapporteur emphasized that remaining silent not only dishonors fallen colleagues but also enables the erosion of truth and impunity in conflict zones.
In essence, Albanese’s words serve as both a grief-stricken tribute and an urgent challenge: that journalists—especially those with global platforms—must continue to report, expose, and ensure accountability, even when the cost is high.
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