JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 09, 2024 at 11:28 am | JP Staff Reporter
Join our WhatsApp channel
GAZA—Women Press Freedom has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic killing of five Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip, including Wafa Abu Dabaan (pictured), a reporter with the Islamic University Radio in Gaza, by Israeli forces.
"We strongly condemn the targeted violence against journalists by Israeli forces in conflict zones as a blatant violation of international law. We vehemently condemn the killing of Wafa Abu Dabaan and urgently call for an immediate halt to hostilities. We also demand Israel's full cooperation with the International Criminal Court's investigation into potential war crimes."
On July 6, 2024, in a tragic escalation of violence, Israel killed five Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip within just 24 hours. Among the victims was Wafa Abu Dabaan, a journalist associated with the Islamic University Radio in Gaza.
In the Nuseirat camp, Amjad Jahjouh and Rizq Abu Ashkian from the Palestine Media Agency, and Wafa Abu Dabaan were killed. Abu Dabaan was married to Jahjouh. Their children were also killed in the strike.
In Gaza City, Palestinian journalists Saadi Madoukh and Ahmed Sukkar were killed on Friday in an Israeli raid targeting the Madoukh family home in the Daraj neighborhood.
The relentless Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in a devastating toll, with over 38,098 fatalities and more than 87,700 people sustaining injuries. Women Press Freedom has documented a shocking 21 women journalists killed since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023.
Despite mounting international calls for de-escalation and a halt to hostilities, Israel has persisted in its military campaign following an initial Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) issued a resolution urging an immediate ceasefire, yet the violence continues unabated.
In a significant legal development, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has condemned Israel for its actions in Rafah and accused it of genocide.
These attacks on journalists represent a blatant violation of international law and the principles of press freedom. Journalists are not combatants; they are civilians performing a crucial role in documenting and reporting the realities of conflict. The targeting of media personnel is an egregious assault on the freedom of the press and the right of the public to be informed.
Women Press Freedom deeply mourns the passing of Wafa Abu Dabaan, her children, and the other journalists. "We urgently appeal for a ceasefire from both Hamas and the Israeli Defence Forces to facilitate the secure distribution of aid and shield civilians from harm. Swift measures are imperative to alleviate the enduring anguish. Additionally, we insist that the Israeli government fully engage with the International Criminal Court's probe into potential war atrocities."
March 07, 2025: Former Suno TV anchor Paras Jahanzaib breaks silence on her sudden removal, exposing government pressure tactics against journalists who refuse to follow official narratives in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 13, 2025: Prominent journalist Asma Shirazi faces relentless online harassment in a coordinated campaign involving gendered disinformation. Press freedom groups demand immediate action to protect female journalists in Pakistan.
November 09, 2024: In a sharp rebuttal, anchor Asma Shirazi responded to Moeed Pirzada's allegations, calling him a one-time puppet of the establishment and questioning his commitment to democratic values and human rights.
October 18, 2024: GNN anchor Samina Pasha resigns due to pressure from certain quarters, underscoring concerns over media freedom in Pakistan. She highlights the sacrifices made by journalists for speaking the truth.
September 30, 2024: Dr. Sadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
September 28, 2024: Explore the alarming rise of online trolling and harassment faced by women journalists in Pakistan, highlighting recent cases involving anchors like Shiffa Z. Yousafzai and Asma Chaudhry. This article delves into the societal challenges these women encounter and the urgent need for action against online abuse
September 27, 2024: TV anchor Shiffa Z. Yousafzai has refuted false rumors about her marriage, calling attention to the harassment working women face in a male-dominated society. She urges social media platforms to remove false content and calls people to stand against such targeting.
June 11, 2025 Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025 Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025 Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025 The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025 The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.