Journalists Call for Arms Embargo on Israel Over Killing of Palestinian Journalists in Gaza
A group of over 100 journalists have signed a letter urging US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to impose a ban on weapons transfers to Israel following the killing of Palestinian journalists in Gaza. The letter comes in response to the recent deaths of Al Jazeera correspondent Ismail al-Ghoul and his camera operator Rami al-Rifi in an Israeli missile strike on their car.
Since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza last October, more than 160 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli forces. The letter calls for actions to protect journalists and support free media by implementing an arms embargo on Israel to prevent further violence against journalists.
The letter, signed by journalists, press freedom organizations, and news outlets, emphasizes Israel’s longstanding suppression of media coverage on its treatment of Palestinians and actions in Gaza. Despite efforts to bring attention to the issue, including boycotts and solidarity campaigns, the killings continue, along with other attacks on healthcare workers and aid personnel.