adminPeter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
Organisations representing Zimbabwe’s media personnel have called for the protection of journalists as violence continues to escalate in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The appeal follows alarming reports indicating that at least 140 journalists have lost their lives in Gaza since hostilities erupted on October 7, 2023.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), this period has been the deadliest for journalists globally.
Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) Secretary General Mr Perfect Hlongwane expressed concern over the statistics.
“The killing of journalists is condemned in the strongest terms,” he said. “People must not be killed for their profession or the truth. It is heart-wrenching to witness the suffering of our colleagues in Gaza.
“Such violence against those who seek to inform society is barbaric and must not be tolerated.”
Mr Hlongwane urged the United Nations to take immediate action to safeguard journalists covering the conflict.
MISA Zimbabwe chairperson Mr Golden Maunganidze said no story is worth dying for, adding that what is happening in Palestine is unacceptable.
He cautioned that the targeting of journalists in Palestine could lead to a media vacuum, depriving the public of vital information.
“If journalists flee the profession out of fear, the ordinary person will be deprived of the truth. This undermines our role as watchdogs in society,” he said.
“We urge the Israeli government and all stakeholders to respect international conventions that protect journalists.”
Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri condemned the violence.
“The ongoing genocide against Palestinians, who simply seek freedom and justice, cannot be ignored,” he said.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu