About a dozen Palestinian journalists gathered outside Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in northern Gaza to protest the killing of their colleagues in an Israeli airstrike earlier in the week. The journalists, wearing their blue press vests, stood in the hospital courtyard, with the sound of Israeli drones overhead.
The demonstration included tributes to the slain journalists, with photos and slogans declaring 'Journalism is not a crime.' The Al Jazeera correspondent and others emphasized their commitment to continuing their coverage of the conflict, stating that they are the bearers of a just cause that must be shared with the world through their platforms.
The protest for press freedom followed the deaths of two Al Jazeera staffers in an Israeli strike while on assignment in Al-Shati refugee camp. The incident, which also claimed the life of a 16-year-old Palestinian delivering food on his bicycle, has drawn condemnation from advocacy groups. This marks the deadliest period for journalists since 1992.
The vigil at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital served as a poignant reminder of the risks journalists face in conflict zones and the importance of upholding press freedom. The journalists' determination to continue their work despite the dangers underscores their commitment to sharing the stories of those affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
