(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is a 16 May 2000 IFJ media release: WESTBANK/GAZA: JOURNALISTS INJURED IN CLASHES The International Federation of Journalists today condemned the shooting of journalists covering the clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops in the Westbank and Gaza. Six journalists were injured during one of the most violent clashes on Monday. […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is a 16 May 2000 IFJ media release:
WESTBANK/GAZA:
JOURNALISTS INJURED IN CLASHES
The International Federation of Journalists today condemned the shooting of journalists covering the clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops in the Westbank and Gaza.
Six journalists were injured during one of the most violent clashes on Monday. Maher Abu Khater, Rabhi Al Koubari of Watan TV and Jadi Ali of Houb wa Salam TV were covering the clashes between stone-throwing demonstrators and Israeli soldiers in the Westbank when they were shot. In Gaza three more journalists — Najib Abu Al Jabin, Talal Abu Rahma and Ahmad Jadallah – received shot wounds.
“There must be some level of protection for journalists”, said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary, “even if they cover violent clashes.”
“Palestinian journalists too often are victims of violence. In recent years there has been a range of cases where Palestinian journalists, often working as stringers for multinational media companies, have been injured while covering fights between Israeli troops and Palestinian protesters. We call on the Israeli authorities to recognise them as members of the press and to treat them accordingly.”
The IFJ renewed its demand to the Israeli authorities to recognise the IFJ International Press Card. The card is issued by the IFJ and identifies the bearer as a bona fide journalist. While the United Nations recognises the card the Israeli government has refused to acknowledge Palestinian cardholders as journalists.
