IFJ calls for Israel to be held accountable for 'atrocities' as journalist death toll rises to eight
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the “ongoing cycle of intimidation, violence and murder” against media workers in Palestine as the death toll of journalists covering the conflict in the region rose to eight.
'Atrocities': Sameh Al-Aryan and Rami Rayan were killed yesterday
Following the deaths of Sameh Al-Aryan, 26, and Rami Rayan, 25, as a result of Israeli shelling at Shojayah on Wednesday, the IFJ said Israel must be held accountable for its actions.
IFJ president Jim Boumelha said: “We express our anger and condemnation at the killing of these journalists, the latest victims in this ongoing cycle of intimidation, violence and murder against media workers in Palestine.
“We send our heartfelt sympathies to their family and friends and we offer our continued support and solidarity to our colleagues in the PJS and all media workers in Gaza as they continue to suffer through this appalling Israeli barrage.
“Enough is enough: the killing must end now and Israel must be held accountable for these atrocities.”
The organisation – which is the voice for journalists at the United Nations - will now write to UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon to “remind the organisation of its international obligation to protect journalists”.
Earlier this month, it emerged that journalists travelling to the region to cover the latest escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were required by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) to sign a waiver absolving Israel of any responsibility in the event of death or injury.
Earlier this week, Sky News requested the IDF remove one of the broadcaster's news reports from its Twitter feed for taking it "out of context".
At least 1,360 people have been killed since the Israeli offensive began on 8 July, the majority Palestinian civilians.