Palestinian groups mark journalists loyalty day

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 1 January 2026 |  JP Middle East Desk

Palestinian groups marked Journalists Loyalty Day on December 31, calling for international accountability over violence against journalists and stressing that pressure will not silence Palestinian media voices

Summary

GAZA CITY — Palestinian groups, including Hamas, marked December 31 as Palestinian Journalists Loyalty Day, issuing statements that renewed calls for accountability over violence against Palestinian journalists and stressed the need for international legal protections.

According to a statement published by the Palestinian Information Center, the groups said attacks on journalists would not silence Palestinian media voices, framing press work as a core component of documenting events and conveying Palestinian perspectives to the outside world.

Calls for accountability and legal action

The statements urged international bodies, legal institutions, and press freedom organizations to hold Israeli leaders accountable for what the groups described as repeated violations against journalists. The messaging emphasized the role of international law in protecting media workers in conflict zones.

The observance came amid heightened global scrutiny of press safety in areas of armed conflict, where journalists face elevated risks while reporting on military operations, humanitarian conditions, and civilian impact.

Press safety and international scrutiny

Palestinian groups linked the loyalty day to broader concerns about the safety of journalists operating in Gaza and other Palestinian areas, arguing that continued reporting despite risks demonstrates professional commitment and public responsibility.

They also positioned the day as a message to international media institutions, calling for sustained attention to alleged violations against journalists and for stronger mechanisms to ensure accountability and protection.

The Palestinian Information Center reported that the statements were part of an annual observance intended to highlight the role of Palestinian journalists and to reinforce demands for press freedom, safety guarantees, and recognition of journalists' rights under international law.

KEY POINTS:

• Palestinian groups marked December 31 as Palestinian Journalists Loyalty Day
• Statements called for international accountability over violence against journalists
• Groups said attacks would not silence Palestinian media voices
• Observance highlighted demands for legal protections and press safety

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on statements published by the Palestinian Information Center and public statements from Palestinian groups

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only