The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the relentless targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the President of NGE, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, strongly condemned the killing of five journalists: Husam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Dagga (AP freelance journalist), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha, allegedly through artillery and missile attacks by Israeli forces.
“These heinous acts are a blatant breach of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which provide for the protection of journalists covering wars,” the editors said.
They stressed that targeting and killing journalists in Gaza constitutes a war crime and an unacceptable attempt to obstruct the work of journalists and conceal the truth from conflict zones.
“We demand an immediate cessation of the targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza and other parts of the world, as well as an end to the war in Gaza,” the Guild declared.
They further called for thorough investigations into the killings and insisted that those responsible must be held accountable.
“The international community must rise up to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence, reprisal, or death,” the NGE leaders added.
The editors reaffirmed their solidarity with colleagues in Gaza and across the world who risk their lives to report from dangerous zones.
“We praise the bravery and dedication of journalists who continue to report from war zones and dangerous areas,” they stated.
PIAK