IFJ condemns killing of Palestinian journalist

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 22 July 2014

The IFJ has condemned the killing of Palestinian cameraman Khaled Hamad, who was shot while covering military operations in Gaza. The organization calls for an end to the violence against journalists and appeals for international intervention.

Summary

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the killing of Palestinian cameraman Khaled Hamad on Sunday 20 July.

According to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), Hamad, 25, who worked for the Continue TV production company, was shot dead while covering Israeli military operations in the Shochaeyah Gaza neighborhood. The PJS says that Israeli forces also bombarded the house of journalist Mahmoud Al-Louh, who works for Al-Ashab radio station, while cameraman Kareem Tartouri was reportedly injured in another Israeli attack.

The PJS has demanded an end to Israeli attacks against Palestinian journalists and has appealed to the international community to intervene to help to stop the killing.

“We send our respects to the family, friends and colleagues of Khaled Hamad who was killed while doing his job to ensure that the truth is told,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha.

"What we are seeing in Gaza is both shocking and horrific. Journalists must be allowed to report what is happening and not be targeted by the army for their work. We call on Israel to stop the attacks immediately."

KEY POINTS:

• Khaled Hamad, a 25-year-old cameraman, was killed on July 20 while reporting in Gaza.
• The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate reports ongoing attacks against journalists by Israeli forces.
• IFJ President Jim Boumelha highlights the urgent need for journalists to operate safely.
• The PJS calls for the international community to intervene and stop the violence.
• The attack on Hamad is part of a broader trend of targeting journalists in conflict zones.