Ramallah – 31st Dec. 2025 On the Day of Loyalty to the Palestinian Journalist, observed annually on December 31, we stand in reverence and respect for the souls of Palestinian journalists who have been martyred while carrying out their professional and humanitarian duty, defending the truth and conveying the suffering of the Palestinian people to the world.
We affirm that what Palestinian journalists are subjected to does not fall within the scope of the so-called “risks of journalistic work”, but rather constitutes a systematic and deliberate policy of targeting the press. Such acts rise to the level of war crimes and crimes against humanity under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Since the beginning of 2025, eighty-eight (88) journalists have been killed by Israeli occupation forces under various circumstances.
This day embodies profound appreciation for the sacrifices of Palestinian journalists who have faced direct targeting through killing, injury, arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, the destruction of media institutions, and the obstruction of coverage. These actions constitute a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions, particularly Article (79) of Additional Protocol I, and represent a direct assault on freedom of expression and the peoples’ right to know. Such conduct also amounts to the crime of silencing witnesses to crimes and violations committed against civilians.
The MADA Center holds the Occupation authorities fully legally responsible for these crimes and stresses that the continued targeting of journalists occurs within a context of systematic impunity. Responsibility is also borne by states that continue to provide political, military, or legal cover, in clear violation of their international obligations.
Accordingly, we demand the following:
- The opening of independent, binding international investigations into all crimes involving the killing and targeting of Palestinian journalists;
- The referral of these crimes to the International Criminal Court, as crimes falling within its jurisdiction;
- The provision of immediate and effective international protection for Palestinian journalists;
- And the accountability of all those proven to be involved, whether through direct perpetration, incitement, complicity, or concealment.
We further affirm that international silence, and the mere issuance of statements of concern or symbolic condemnation, does not constitute neutrality; rather, it represents active complicity that contributes to the continuation of crimes and undermines the international justice system.
On the Day of Loyalty to the Palestinian Journalist, we reiterate that the blood of journalists will not be forgotten, that truth cannot be buried, and that the pursuit of perpetrators will remain a legal and moral duty until justice is achieved.
Glory to the martyrs of Palestinian journalism
Accountability is a right… and truth cannot be assassinated
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