The State of Palestine has expressed solidarity with Nigerian journalists on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2024, lamenting the fate of press workers in the war-torn Middle East country.
The Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, who conveyed the message, revealed that Israeli Occupation Forces had killed 135 journalists, detained 100, while four were missing, saying that among those detained, 45 were being held under ‘administrative detention’.
The Envoy spoke in a statement personally signed by him to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day on Friday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
Shawesh said, “On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes all Nigerian media correspondents and workers a happy World Press Freedom Day, filled with joy, security and success in your careers.
“It is noted that the Israeli Occupation Army killed 135 press correspondents, detained another 100, with 45 of them under administrative detention, and 4 of them are still missing.”
It could be recalled that during the recent war in Gaza, journalists faced grave dangers as they worked to report on the unfolding events amidst the chaos. Tragically, some lost their lives in the line of duty.
Among those who lost their lives were reporters, photographers, and media professionals who courageously ventured into the conflict zone to document the realities of war and convey the stories of those affected.
The statement also noted that Palestinian journalists covering the conflict in Gaza were awarded the 2024 UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for their courageous reporting.
“In this connection, it is worth mentioning that UNESCO awarded the Palestinian press correspondents covering the Israeli genocidal war ni Gaza the 2024 UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for their brave and courageous work,” he added.