Media Workers In Malaysia Ask Western State Editors To Take Responsibility For Non-Humanian Rhetorics In Palestine

Journalists in Malaysia (SP4G) called for the protection of journalists in Gaza by holding an action on the Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur, Saturday, November 18, 2023. (ANTARA/HO-SP4G)

JAKARTA - Save Press 4 Gaza (SP4G), which is a unity of journalists in Malaysia, expressed concern about the number of deaths of journalists covering Israeli aggression in Gaza, Palestine.

SP4G strongly condemns the actions of Israeli soldiers and governments targeting journalists and civil society in Gaza.

"As journalists and media workers, we call on Western editor-in-chief to ensure clear coverage of Israel's actions against Palestinians, and recognize the atrocities that have occurred," read a written statement from SP4G, Sunday, November 19, confiscated by Antara.

The attacks and sieges carried out by the Zionist regime over the past four weeks have killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, including 42 "numbers" journalists marking the worst conflict for media workers since 1992, according to the Journalists Protection Committee (CPJ).

CPJ's findings underscore the urgent need to end violence in Gaza, including against journalists.

Journalists face not only challenges in reporting conflicts, but also risks from environmental factors including power outages, food and water shortages, and the collapse of the medical system.

This resulted in the tragic loss of journalists, editors, photographers and publishers who worked tirelessly to bring the reality of the conflict to the surface of global awareness.

SP4G, which is a combination of 26 organizations, clubs to press and media associations in Malaysia, said targeting intentional journalists had become a worrying development in Gaza.

This was proven through the investigation of Reporters Without Borders on the Israeli attack on October 13, 2023 in South Lebanon.

Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah was killed in the attack, while six other journalists were injured. Such incidents highlight the need for urgent international action to protect journalists operating in the conflict zone.

Save Press 4 Gaza joins press associations, including Reporters Without Borders, the Association of Arab and Middle East Journalists, and the International Journalists Federation demanded a clear commitment from Israel to end violence against journalists and civilians.

In addition, in his statement SP4G also asked the Western editorial space, which benefits from the work of Gaza journalists, to immediately take steps to ensure their protection and condemn any actions that endanger their safety.

"In addition, we hold Western media editors accountable for any inhumane rhetoric that may contribute to justifying ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people," the SP4G statement said.

International media have a responsibility to uphold journalistic integrity, ensuring fair and accurate coverage of the ongoing conflict.

Calls for fair news and an end to oppression have been repeated, and they urge fellow journalists in Western media to pay attention to the call.

SP4G also demanded the International Agency to call for an immediate ceasefire and distribute immediate aid to the people of Gaza and other affected areas.