Turkiye official condemns Israel’s targeting of journalists in Palestine

Fahrettin Altun, Turkiye’s Communications Director, has strongly condemned Israel for its recent actions against journalists operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, calling on the international community to take immediate action against what he described as attacks on press freedom. Altun’s statement comes amid growing concerns about the safety of media professionals covering the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.

In a scathing statement, Altun criticised Israel’s alleged targeting of journalists, calling it a blatant violation of international law and an attack on freedom of expression. He stressed that harming journalists hinders the public’s right to accurate and reliable information, particularly regarding developments on the ground in conflict zones.

“Israel’s targeting of journalists is an affront to all democratic principles and the universal right to free and fair information,” Altun said. “Journalists must be protected under international law, and Israel’s actions obstruct this crucial right, further deepening the conflict and silencing voices that strive to shed light on the reality in Palestine.”

Altun also urged Israel to abide by its international obligations, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which mandate the protection of civilians, including media workers, in conflict zones. He called for international bodies, including the United Nations and press freedom organisations, to take concrete steps to ensure the protection and safety of journalists.

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His remarks follow several recent incidents in which journalists in Gaza and the West Bank have reportedly been harassed, detained or injured by Israeli security forces. Media offices have also been raided or damaged, according to reports, and several journalists covering protests and military operations have been wounded by live ammunition or rubber bullets.

Turkiye has a long-standing position of supporting Palestinian rights and criticising Israeli policies in the Occupied Territories. Altun’s condemnation is part of broader Turkish diplomatic efforts to highlight what it perceives as violations of human rights and press freedoms in the region. The Turkish Journalists Association (TGC) and other press organisations have echoed Altun’s sentiments, expressing concern over the increasing trend of violence against media workers and calling for accountability and the protection of those reporting on the conflict.

Altun also emphasized the fundamental role journalists play in documenting events and ensuring transparency, particularly in conflict zones. “Freedom of the press is a vital part of any democratic society,” he added. “The international community must not remain silent on this issue and must act to hold Israel accountable for these egregious violations.”

Israel, for its part, has defended its security operations in Gaza and the West Bank, denying that journalists are being intentionally targeted. Israeli officials argue that any harm to journalists is accidental and a result of clashes between security forces and protestors. However, human rights advocates and press freedom organisations dispute these claims, asserting that the pattern of violence against journalists reflects a broader effort to suppress critical media coverage of the conflict.

Altun’s condemnation adds to the growing chorus of voices from international human rights bodies, including the United Nations, that have called for the safety and protection of journalists in conflict areas. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has reiterated that attacks on journalists can constitute serious breaches of international law, urging all parties to respect the rights and safety of media workers.

As tensions in the region continue to rise, the situation of journalists remains precarious, with renewed calls for global action to safeguard press freedoms and ensure that journalists can work without fear of violence, harassment or censorship.

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