Palestinian Media on the Brink: A Call for Urgent Action

The event brought together 50 participants representing key stakeholders such as the Palestinian Authority, European and Middle East diplomats, Palestinian journalists and media owners, the International Fund for Public Interest Journalism, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), international media support organisations and UNESCO. The Palestinian Media Sector Coordinating Group (PMSCG) has been leading efforts to draft a legislative framework for the Fund that sets out its proposed remit and governance model. This decree law is currently being considered by the Palestinian Authority.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Secretary General Anthony Bellanger emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We have brought together representatives of the profession, donors and ambassadors around this table because we recognise the magnitude of our collective task – and the urgent need to act. All actions to stop the massacre in Gaza are necessary and I solemnly call on all the representatives of States present here this morning to do everything possible to find a swift political and diplomatic solution to put an end to this unprecedented massacre.”

The IFJ has recorded at least 220 journalists killed in Gaza since the beginning of the war, setting an unprecedented toll for media casualties in modern conflicts. Nasser Abu Bakr, President of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and IFJ Vice-President, painted a grim picture: “Eleven journalists are killed every month in Gaza. Two hundred media houses have been destroyed. Palestinian journalism is collapsing.”

Minister Ahmed Assaf, the general supervisor of the official media in Palestine, reaffirmed the commitment of Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority to pass the decree law to set up the Fund soon. MEP and chair of the European Parliament Committee on Human Rights, Mounir Satouri, expressed hope that the EU would provide significant support, not just in words but in action, including legal aid to defend journalists.

Nishant Lalwani, CEO of the International Fund for Public Interest Media, highlighted the collaborative efforts over the past 15 months to develop the concept for the Fund, which will operate as an independent public institution awarding grants to media organisations in the West Bank and Gaza. UNESCO representative Hala Tannous pledged technical expertise and convening power to ensure the Fund aligns with international standards, particularly those concerning freedom of expression and public interest journalism.

Since the start of the war in Gaza, Palestinian journalists and media outlets have suffered unprecedented losses. According to the PJS, 13% of journalists in the Gaza Strip have been killed and all media infrastructure has been destroyed by the Israeli Defence Force. The IFJ believes that the Palestine Media Support Fund has unique potential to revitalise the Palestinian media community and empower local journalists to fulfil their role as watchdogs of democracy and voices for the voiceless. However, its success will depend on sustained support from the international donor community and effective coordination between key development actors.

The situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the fragility of media freedom in conflict zones. The destruction of media infrastructure and the loss of journalists not only hinder the flow of information but also undermine the democratic process. The proposed Palestine Media Support Fund is a crucial step towards rebuilding the media landscape in Palestine, but it requires sustained support and coordination from the international community.

The IFJ's call for action is a clarion call to the international community to do more than just offer words of support. The Fund must be equipped with the necessary resources to provide material and legal aid to journalists, ensuring that they can continue to report from the frontlines without fear of reprisal. The EU, in particular, has a significant role to play in providing the financial and legal support needed to make the Fund a success.

The collaboration between the PMSCG and international organizations like UNESCO and the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) is a testament to the power of collective action. By working together, these organizations can build a sustainable and secure ecosystem for independent media in the region, ensuring that reliable, unbiased information continues to reach the public during these challenging times.

The success of the Palestine Media Support Fund will depend on the sustained support of the international donor community and effective coordination between key development actors. The Fund must be more than just a temporary fix; it must be a long-term solution that ensures the sustainability of independent media in Palestine. The international community must rise to the challenge and provide the necessary support to make this a reality.

In conclusion, the situation in Gaza is a wake-up call for the international community to take urgent action to support Palestinian journalists and media outlets. The Palestine Media Support Fund is a crucial step towards rebuilding the media landscape in Palestine, but it requires sustained support and coordination from the international community. The success of the Fund will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the Palestinian Authority, European and Middle East diplomats, Palestinian journalists and media owners, the International Fund for Public Interest Journalism, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), international media support organisations and UNESCO. Together, they can ensure that the voice of truth continues to be heard, even in the face of adversity.