The State of Palestine has extended solidarity to Nigerian journalists on World Press Freedom Day 2024, expressing concern over the plight of press workers in the conflict-ridden Middle East nation,leadership reports.
Abdullah Abu Shawesh, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, conveyed this message, revealing that Israeli Occupation Forces had killed 135 journalists, detained 100, and four were missing. Among those detained, 45 were held under ‘administrative detention’.
In a statement personally signed by him to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, Shawesh emphasized, “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.”
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During the recent conflict in Gaza, journalists faced significant risks as they reported on unfolding events amidst chaos. Regrettably, some lost their lives in the line of duty, including reporters, photographers, and media professionals who bravely ventured into the conflict zone to document the realities of war and convey the stories of those affected.
The statement also highlighted that Palestinian journalists covering the Gaza conflict were honored with 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 in Gaza the 2024 UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for their brave and courageous work,” Shawesh added.
