Standing in solidarity with Gaza: the pen will not be silenced by violence
The World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) strongly condemns the targeted killing of five Al Jazeera journalists—Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa—and freelance journalist Mohammad al-Khaldi, in an Israeli airstrike on 10 August 2025.
The attack struck a journalists’ tent near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, a blatant assault on press freedom aimed at silencing those reporting on the Gaza conflict.
These journalists were neutral observers, dedicated to documenting the truth and amplifying the voiceless. They were not combatants, yet they were deliberately targeted, with baseless accusations used to justify their deaths.
This act is part of a broader pattern of unprecedented violence against the media in Gaza.
Since 7 October 2023, at least 242 journalists and media workers, mostly Palestinians, have been killed, marking the deadliest period for journalists in modern history. No other conflict has seen such a high toll on the press in so short a time. The systematic killing of journalists, destruction of media infrastructure and restrictions on independent reporting violate international humanitarian law and threaten global democracy.
The WAPC mourns these losses alongside Al Jazeera and supports the United Nations’ call for a thorough investigation. We demand an immediate, independent international inquiry to hold those responsible accountable
All parties to the conflict must respect journalists’ protections under the Geneva Conventions and cease actions that endanger them. We urge the international community — governments, the United Nations and press organisations — to strengthen efforts to protect media workers in conflict zones and demand an end to their targeting.
Journalists risk their lives to hold power accountable and ensure the world knows the truth. The WAPC stands in solidarity with our colleagues in Gaza and worldwide, affirming that the pen will not be silenced by violence.
The truth shall prevail.
DAVID OMWOYO
President, World Association of Press Councils
PICTURE: Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, among other journalists, was killed in an Israeli air strike on 10 August 2025 (Al Jazeera)
