Itanagar, Apr 26: The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Indian Journalists Union, meeting in Kozhikode, Kerala, has strongly condemned what it described as the “unprecedented and systematic” killing of journalists and media workers in Palestine.
In a resolution adopted during its April 24–25 meeting, the NEC expressed deep grief and outrage over the deaths of more than 260 media professionals since October 2023, stating that the Gaza Strip has become the deadliest zone for journalists in modern history. The union asserted that these killings cannot be dismissed as collateral damage, but instead represent a deliberate attempt to suppress truth and create a blackout around the humanitarian crisis.
The resolution highlighted several recent incidents, including the killing of Amal Khalil, a senior Lebanese journalist, in a targeted strike in southern Lebanon on April 22, 2026; the death of Mohammed Wishah, an Al Jazeera correspondent, in a drone strike in Gaza City on April 8; and the killing of Hossam Shabat, a young journalist from northern Gaza. The NEC noted that many journalists were targeted despite wearing clearly marked ‘PRESS’ vests.
Calling for global action, the IJU urged journalist unions, press freedom organisations, and civil society groups worldwide to unite in solidarity against such attacks. It emphasized the urgent need to protect journalists who risk their lives to report from conflict zones.
Reaffirming its unwavering support for Palestinian journalists, the IJU pledged to continue advocating for their safety, dignity, and the fundamental right to report without fear.