Hundreds of journalists sign a letter condemning Israel for targeting and killing Palestinian reporters

Hundreds of journalists from around the world have signed an online petition condemning the Israeli government for the deliberate killing of Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Lebanon last year.

As of this writing, 790 people – writers, reporters, editors, producers, photographers and photojournalists, artists, videographers, educators and students – have signed the online petition entitled “Israel Must Stop Killing Journalists.”

The petition states in part:

Despite repeated condemnation by internationally recognized human rights and media organizations, Israel has continued to kill and maim Palestinian journalists in Gaza. There has also been an escalation in attacks on journalists in Lebanon.

The attacks on journalists constitute an attack on press freedom and a violation of international law.

This has to stop.

Journalists supporting the letter include Sakhr Al-Makhadhi, executive producer at AJ+, Al Jazeera; Anne Barnard, freelancer and former New York Times Head of Beirut Office; Samaa Khullar, investigative journalist at the nation; and Khalil AlHajal, deputy opinion editor at Detroit Free Press.

Palestinian journalists in Gaza acted as the eyes and ears of the world, documenting Israeli attacks such as the deliberate killing of civilians carrying white flags and the torture of Palestinians in custody. These journalists have received death threats, been maimed or killed by Israeli forces – even when they were not on assignment. Their families were also killed by Israeli forces.