The United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) has reported the deaths of at least 68 journalists and media workers in the line of work in Palestine since October 2023, which does not include deaths in circumstances unrelated to their profession.

While condemning the recent killing in Gaza, where five journalists, Husam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Dagga (AP freelance journalist), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha, loss their lives through artillery and missile attacks by Israeli forces, Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, reiterated her call for people to respect UN Security Council Resolution 2222, unanimously adopted in 2015 on the protection of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel as civilians in situations of conflict.”

Hossam Al-Masri worked as a photographer for Reuters. Mohammed Salama worked as a photojournalist for Al Jazeera. Mariam Abu Daqqa worked as a freelance journalist for Associated Press and Independent Arabia. Moaz Abu Taha worked as a freelance journalist for NBC News. Ahmad Abu Aziz worked for several media outlets such as Middle East Eye and Tunisian radio Diwan FM.

The five journalists were reportedly killed in two airstrikes within minutes of one another while they were reporting from the Nasser Hospital in the city of Khan Younis.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has also expressed deep concern over the relentless targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza. In a statement signed by the President, Eze Anaba, and Secretary General, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild condemned the killing.

The statement noted, “these heinous acts are a blatant breach of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which provide for the protection of journalists covering wars.”

It added, “targeting and killing journalists in Gaza constitutes a war crime and an unacceptable attempt to impede the work of journalists and conceal the truth from war areas.”

The Guild demanded an immediate cessation of the targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza and other parts of the world, as well as an end to the war in Gaza.

“We call for thorough investigations into these unfortunate incidents and for those responsible to be held accountable.

“The international community must rise up to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence, reprisal, or death.

“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Gaza and around the world, who risk their lives to bring the world the truth. We praise the bravery and dedication of journalists who continue to report from war zones and dangerous areas.”

The Guild also condemned the recent arrest, harassment, and intimidation of Nigerian journalists, including Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force over coverage of a court case.

“This is a clear attempt to silence journalists performing their lawful duties. We demand that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, halt the harassment and intimidation of journalists and respect their constitutional rights.

“We urge the government and security agencies to uphold press freedom and respect the media’s constitutional right to hold those in authority accountable.

“We stand with journalists facing intimidation in Nigeria, and we will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists and press freedom,” the Guild said in the statement.