Ramallah, 29 December 2024 – The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) has called for the establishment of an independent investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the killing of journalist SHATHA AL-SABBAGH. She was fatally shot in the head in Jenin on Saturday evening.

MADA expresses grave concern over the killing of journalist SHATHA AL-SABBAGH, extending its full solidarity to her family and colleagues. The Center emphasizes that press freedom is a cornerstone of any democratic society and views this incident as a severe setback to media freedoms in Palestine, marking a critical turning point for a people still striving for their freedom.

MADA demands accountability for those responsible for these recurring crimes against the Palestinian people. It also calls on all political forces, factions, societal figures, and human rights institutions to take a firm stand against these oppressive and violent practices, work to halt violations against Palestinians, and ensure their protection.

Since the start of the Palestinian Authority’s security campaign in Jenin Camp, six people have been killed, including journalist SHATHA AL-SABBAGH, alongside five members of the Palestinian Authority’s security forces.

In light of this, MADA makes the following demands:

1. The formation of a transparent and impartial investigative committee to uncover the circumstances of the incident, examine its details, hold those responsible for the killing of journalist SHATHA AL-SABBAGH accountable, and ensure they do not escape punishment.
2. The necessity of halting all military operations in Jenin, its camp, and all Palestinian cities to prevent further bloodshed among the Palestinian people. All issues should be resolved through Palestinian national dialogue, and the siege imposed on residents must be lifted. MADA also affirms its full solidarity with all journalists who face risks in their pursuit of truth.
3. MADA calls on all Palestinian parties to open the door to national dialogue as a means of understanding and resolving the current disputes and conflicts, which directly affect the unity and cohesion of the Palestinian people, especially in this critical phase of the Palestinian cause.