Gaza War:Scores of Palestinian Journalists Killed, Hundreds Detained by Israel

In a sobering announcement coinciding with World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah Abu Shawest, revealed that the Israeli Army has been responsible for the deaths of 135 Palestinian journalists amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza.

The envoy reported that approximately 100 journalists have been detained, with four others currently missing.

During the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, Ambassador Shawest expressed his regards to Nigerian media personnel, wishing them success and safety in their journalistic endeavors. The statement highlighted the recognition of Palestinian journalists by UNESCO, who awarded them the 2024 UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for their courageous coverage of the conflict in Gaza.

The stark figures shared by the ambassador underscore the perilous conditions faced by journalists in war zones and the critical role they play in delivering news under extreme circumstances. The report also noted that of the detained journalists, 45 are held under administrative detention.

In related remarks, former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar emphasized the critical sacrifices made by journalists in the pursuit of democracy and societal improvement. His statement, released on social media in honor of World Press Freedom Day, acknowledged the severe challenges and dangers that journalists endure.