The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate affirmed that press freedom in Palestine is not a slogan but a daily struggle against the ongoing violations and assaults carried out by the Israeli occupation.
In a statement issued Sunday to mark World Press Freedom Day, the Syndicate said it stands before its national and professional responsibilities, recalling the heavy price paid by Palestinian journalists in defense of truth.
It noted that journalists operate in an exceptional environment where words and images are deliberately targeted, and where media workers are pursued simply for carrying out their professional duties.
The Syndicate reported that Palestinian journalists continue to face intensifying direct attacks, including obstruction of coverage, physical assaults, abduction, and killings while performing their duties.
It saluted the journalists who have been killed, as well as those imprisoned and wounded, and all who continue to uphold the responsibility of free expression despite the dangers.
The Syndicate stressed that these crimes will not deter Palestinian journalists from fulfilling their professional and national role.
The statement held the international community and human rights institutions legally and morally responsible for ensuring protection for Palestinian journalists, holding perpetrators accountable, and ending the entrenched policy of impunity.
It further called on the Palestinian public, fellow journalists, national forces, and civil society institutions to participate widely in events and solidarity gatherings, reaffirming a unified stance in defense of press freedom and the right of the Palestinian people to have their voice heard globally.
The Syndicate concluded by emphasizing that broad participation sends a clear message: Palestinian journalism will remain the voice of truth, and the will to live is stronger than all attempts at repression and silencing.
