"UNESCO's world press freedom prize has been awarded to Palestinian journalists covering Israel's conflict with Gaza, announced the United Nations cultural agency. Mauricio Weibel, the chair of the international jury, praised the journalists for their work in challenging circumstances, stating, 'In these times of darkness and hopelessness, we wish to share a strong message of solidarity and recognition.'
The award ceremony, held in Santiago, Chile, on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, honored more than 100 journalists and media workers, mostly Palestinian, who have lost their lives in the conflict since October. Weibel emphasized the debt of humanity to these journalists for their courage and commitment to freedom of expression.
Gaza's Government Media Office reported more than 140 journalist deaths in the conflict, while the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) documented over 100 deaths in the first seven months alone.
Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, praised the journalists' courage in facing difficult and dangerous circumstances. She noted that the prize serves as a tribute to their bravery.
The award comes amidst ongoing risks faced by journalists worldwide. Weibel emphasized the need to stop these risks, stating, 'We are facing many risks around the world, and we need to say, ‘Stop’.'
Despite the dangers, Palestinian journalists continue to report on the conflict. In February, Mohamed Yaghi, a freelance photojournalist, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza. Al Jazeera correspondents have also faced dangers, with their vehicle targeted as they tried to interview civilians displaced by bombings.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with at least 34,596 Palestinians killed and 77,816 wounded in Israeli attacks since October 7. In Israel, the death toll from Hamas-led attacks stands at 1,139, with dozens still held captive."