FG Condemns Attacks On Journalists In Gaza

The Federal Government has condemned attacks on journalists in Gaza by the Israeli security forces in the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

The FG stressed that the action represents flagrant violations of press freedom and human rights.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the remarks in his speech at the Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers held on February 24, 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Represented by the Head of Mission of the Nigerian Embassy in Turkey, Ambassador Zayyad Abdul-Salam, the Minister noted that since the beginning of the conflict, journalists have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, violence, and even death simply for carrying out their duty to inform the public and uphold the principles of truth and justice.

Idris, in a statement signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Sunday, said, “From the statistics provided by the Committee for the Protection of Journalists, about 88 journalists and media workers were killed since the war began on October 7, 2023.

“As Ministers of Information representing member states of the Islamic Conference, it is incumbent upon us to condemn in the strongest terms these atrocities and censorship against journalists performing their legitimate duties in Palestine.

“We must stand firm in solidarity with our colleagues in the media who risk their lives daily to report the humanitarian crisis in Palestine under occupation and to give voice to the voiceless.”

He advised the ministers attending the conference to explore strategic communication, advocacy, and collaboration to amplify the voices of journalists who courageously document the human rights abuses and atrocities committed against the Palestinian people.

“At the heart of our response must be a commitment to upholding the principles of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to information.

“These fundamental human rights enshrined in international law constitute essential pillars of democracy and good governance. We cannot allow them to be trampled upon by those who seek to silence dissent and control the narrative,” he stated.

The Minister called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and stressed Nigeria’s position on a two-state solution to address the crisis in Palestine, ensuring the rights and sovereignty of both Palestinian and Israeli peoples are respected and upheld.

The war started when Hamas launched its unprecedented attack on October 7 that left about 1,160 people dead in southern Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

Over 29,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in the Israel military operation in Gaza, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory says.

Hamas also took about 250 hostages – 130 of whom remain in Gaza, including 30 presumed dead, according to Israel.

Israel has warned that, unless Hamas frees all hostages, it will push on with its offensive during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, including in Rafah.