Why it matters:
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), among more than 62,000 civilians reportedly killed by Israeli forces, 274 were journalists.
The big picture:
Journalists from at least 20 African countries have joined forces under the AJAG banner to support global advocacy efforts pressuring Israel to end its alleged genocide, apartheid, and occupation of Palestine. The coalition seeks to amplify calls for accountability and justice through coordinated campaigns.
What they're saying:
Abdulrasheed Bala, a communication researcher and head of the Department of Mass Communication at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic in Bauchi, Nigeria, praised the initiative: “This is a very important movement that deserves support. We’re talking about more than 272 journalists and over 62,000 civilians killed. In this century, the world has not witnessed aggression like what is happening in Gaza,” he said. “We condemn Israeli aggression and believe AJAG can raise global awareness, not just among journalists and civil rights organizations, but across the world. We call on the United Nations to end the violence in Gaza.”
Anna Weeks, a South African journalist and AJAG member who visited Palestine in the early 2000s, said: “I condemn the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Even back then, it was nearly impossible for international journalists to enter. I tried twice and failed. Israel must allow media access and stop starving the people of Gaza.” She added, “Gaza is essentially a concentration camp now. People are being starved to death. It’s horrific. Journalists must speak out.”
Ernest Moloi, an AJAG member from Botswana, also condemned the killing of journalists, women, children, and the elderly in Gaza. In an interview with Iran Press, he urged the international community to act against what he called ongoing Zionist aggression.
From Harare, Zimbabwe, AJAG member and journalist Munya Munaro said Israel must be held accountable: “This is a blatant attack on journalism and humanity. Let it be clear, journalism is not a crime.”
Go deeper:
Iran Condemns Targeted Killing of Palestinian Journalists in Gaza
Hossein Amiri - Mahboubeh Habibi
