‘We stand in solidarity with those in Gaza: the world must act now’

Statement from the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), the Campaign for Free Expression (CFE) and the Campaign on Digital Ethics (CODE) on Civilians and Journalists in Gaza

We, the undersigned, exist to protect free expression, champion media freedom and advance pathways to accountability. Today, we feel compelled to speak out about the catastrophic situation in Gaza – not only because of our solidarity with journalists there, but because the survival of free expression itself is at stake.

In a rare and unprecedented appeal, Agence France Presse (AFP), a respected international news agency, has issued an urgent warning that its remaining journalists in Gaza are too weak from starvation to work, and that without immediate intervention, they may die.

Israel has, as a matter of policy, prohibited international media from freely entering Gaza since October 2023, so these local journalists are among the last reporters able to tell the world what is happening in Gaza

However horrific Hamas’ attack of 7 October 2023, and however justified Israel might feel in retaliatory action against them, this situation is not simply the by-product of a war. It is the result of Israel’s deliberate policies and actions: the ongoing bombardment of civilian areas, the targeted destruction of homes, hospitals and infrastructure, the denial of humanitarian aid, and the systematic infliction of starvation and famine.

Journalists and their families – like so many other civilians – are being placed directly in harm’s way, not as collateral damage but as part of a campaign of collective punishment.

It may seem anomalous for South African organisations focused on media freedom and free expression to raise their voice on Gaza. But our mandate is grounded in universal principles. A free press cannot exist where journalists are starved, targeted, or silenced; nor can humanity flourish where civilians are collectively punished and cut off from the world’s gaze.

To remain silent in the face of such conditions would be to fail the very principles we were established to defend.

South Africa’s own history teaches us the power of global solidarity. During apartheid, South Africans relied on journalists and activists beyond our borders to keep the truth alive. Today, we cannot ignore the voices from Gaza – voices saying plainly: we are dying while trying to tell the world what is happening here

We therefore:

Condemn these actions as grave violations of international law and fundamental human rights and urge global support for UN and other international mechanisms designed to secure accountability

Call on all governments to demand immediate protection for journalists and civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access

Urge international media and human-rights bodies to maintain relentless focus on Gaza and act swiftly to prevent further loss of life

Free expression does not stop at borders. When those who bear witness are silenced, the world grows darker for us all

We stand in solidarity with those in Gaza, and we echo AFP’s urgent plea: the world must act now.

SANEF

CFE

CODE