Gaza Killing Prompts Call for Better Protection of Journalists

A journalist killed recently in Gaza was in a vehicle clearly marked as "press".

(GAZA STRIP, Israel) - The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has called for improved protection of journalists, after a Palestinian cameraman working for the Reuters news agency in Gaza was killed when a missile hit his vehicle.

"I condemn the killing of Palestinian journalist Fadel Shanaa," declared UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura.

Mr. Shanaa, 25, died on April 16th after a missile hit the vehicle in which he and sound engineer Wafa Barbakh were travelling in while filming the actions of Israeli tanks near the Al-Barij refugee camp. Mr. Barbakh was injured in the incident.

The vehicle is reported to have been clearly marked with the word "Press" to indicate it was being used by journalists.

"I trust the Israeli authorities will spare no effort in investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack on Mr Shanaa’s vehicle," said Mr. Matsuura.

"It is important that due regard be paid to the safety of journalists, at all times and under all circumstances."

Salem-News.com Top Stories

2025: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

conservative April 21, 2008 5:32 pm (Pacific time)

And what about all the dead Israelis? No word about the suicide bombers who constantly blow themselves up inside of Israel. No word about the rockets hitting Israel. Be far, got to see both sides. Israel has the right to defend themselves.

Vic April 21, 2008 9:25 am (Pacific time)

Also that same day, five children were killed by the Israelis at that same camp. Gaza is Israel's Warsaw Ghetto.

[Return to Top]