The Fatah Democratic Reform Bloc Stands in Solidarity with Palestinian Journalists on their World Day of Solidarity

Palyouth The most prominent of what came in the statement of Dimitri Diliani, a member of the Revolutionary Council and spokesman for the reformist and democratic movement in Fatah: 

Diliani states that on the World Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Journalists, the Fatah Democratic Reform Bloc extends its steadfast support to those who courageously uphold the truth in the face of great challenges. Today, we honor Palestinian journalists and media professionals who, despite facing adversity, persistently advocate for democracy, justice, and equality by disseminating unfiltered facts.

Diliani emphasizes the perilous path that journalists tread while covering the Israeli-imposed conflict on the Palestinian people: "The struggle faced by journalists is immeasurable. They encounter unique risks and profound dangers in their unwavering pursuit of presenting unaltered realities in our continuous quest for justice and self-determination."

It is profoundly painful to acknowledge the sacrifice made by 84 journalists, the vast majority of whom are Palestinian, at the hands of Israeli occupation forces while documenting Israeli war crimes committed against the Palestinian people. Similarly, in just the first half of this year, 194 Palestinian journalists suffered violent violations of their rights at the hands of Israeli authorities.

Diliani states that these violations contravene the fundamental principles enshrined in international agreements and treaties that unequivocally protect the rights of journalists to work freely without restraint. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights emphatically assert that "everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, expression, and information."

Diliani highlights that the Fatah Democratic Reform Bloc aligns Palestinian laws with these international agreements, as stipulated in Article 19 of the amended Palestinian Basic Law of 2003, which ensures that "the right to freedom of opinion and expression is sacrosanct, and every person has the right to express their opinions by word, in writing, or in any other way, provided it is within the bounds of the law."

On this unique occasion, the World Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Journalists, Diliani calls on the international community to take decisive actions by intervening to compel the Israeli occupation to cease its arbitrary measures against Palestinian journalists and enable them to exercise their profession freely.

Diliani adds: We urge all states party to the Fourth Geneva Convention to convene an international conference to hold Israel accountable and ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians, including journalists.

Diliani also calls on the international community to call for the reopening of all media institutions that were closed by the Israeli military in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, allowing them to play their critical role in safeguarding human rights. And investigate and prosecute all individuals involved in violations of freedom of expression, including those committed against journalists, holding them accountable for the harm inflicted upon journalists and media institutions.

Diliani emphasizes that on this day, as we remember the sacrifices of Palestinian journalists, let their unwavering dedication to the truth inspire us to move forward in our pursuit of a just and equitable future for all Palestinians.

K. F