Tharindu Uduwaragedara’s speach on International Day in support of Palestinian Journalists
‘No story is worth the life of a journalist!’ Even though there is no war in Sri Lanka today, we face an economic crisis. Though nothing compares to the dire situation in Gaza. But, I often find myself wondering, can we turn away from a story when it lands at our doorstep? We, unlike journalists from more secure regions, cannot simply shift our focus elsewhere. Can we truly remain unaffected when crisis strikes our own homes – endangering our very existence? Regardless of the danger, how can we not report when the story has become an imminent threat to our fellow journalists in Gaza, akin to a missile or bomb?
Today, as we gather on the International Day for Palestinian Journalists, we do so with heavy hearts, mourning the loss of so many precious lives, and the relentless assault on truth and justice. It is our duty as journalists to expose the heinous violations taking place in Gaza, where journalists are not only casualties of war, but targets of a concerted effort to suppress the truth.
Last year’s escalation of violence on Palestinians by Israel, saw Hamas launch a terrible attack on southern Israel. An act condemned by all. In response, Israel launched a relentless, devastating siege on Gaza, citing their “right to defend themselves.” Claiming to target Hamas, they have been inflicting unimaginable suffering on innocent civilians, including journalists. The loss of life on both sides is tragic, but the disproportionate use of force wielded by Israel has left an unprecedented trail of destruction and despair in its wake.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has documented the chilling reality: “Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, at least 102 journalists and media workers have been killed, with several injured or missing. The IFJ is also alarmed by the poor international coverage of the conflict, resulting in the world media’s exclusion from Gaza by Israel. This deliberate denial of the right to report is an abuse of media freedom.
Amidst countless incidents, one remains etched in our hearts: the heartbreaking loss of journalist Mohaammad Abu Hatab and his family, mercilessly killed in a bomb attack. Abu Hatab, a dedicated TV journalist, was among the many who have paid the ultimate price for their commitment to truth and justice. Such atrocities underscore the perilous reality faced by journalists in Gaza, where every moment carries the threat of death, all in the name of journalism.
And let us not overlook the poignant moment when Salman Al Bashir, a journalist for Palestine TV, broke down whilst presenting a news update, his words echoing the anguish felt by all who have borne witness to such senseless violence and loss of life. “We can’t take it anymore,” he cried, stripping off his jacket and helmet, symbols of protection rendered meaningless in the face of relentless attacks on press freedom.
Furthermore, the targeted attack on journalists Hamza Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuraya, killed in an Israeli missile strike, serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers journalists face merely for daring to report the truth. Hamza Dahdouh, the eldest son of Al Jazeera’s Gaza Bureau Chief, Wael Dahdouh, was among those lost. At the time of the attack, the Israeli army said it was targeting a “terrorist” in the vehicle. Later, Israel stated that the incident was unfortunate.
In Palestine, what journalists are doing is not merely war reporting. There is no war zone. Their homes, streets, hospitals, and everything are targets of attacks. Their offices are attacked. They lack electricity, transport, and other basic needs. Today, journalists in Palestine are reporting a massacre carried out with the support of international powers. This is massacre reporting.
So they became targets. Truth is suppressed with impunity.
Who else can get away with these crimes? Who else can do this with impunity? They are killing the truth. They are scared of journalists entering Gaza. They fear the world seeing the truth unfolding in Gaza. They target journalists more now than ever before. This has become the most dangerous conflict for journalists in recent history. This is no accident. They will continue until only the noise of their propaganda machine remains to report.
To quote Marie Colvin, a journalist who was killed in the war, ‘In my profession, there is no chance of unemployment. The real difficulty is having enough faith in humanity to believe that someone will care.’
My brothers and sisters in Gaza, as fellow journalists, we care deeply about your work and your lives. I must add, Colvin lost an eye due to a grenade thrown by the Sri Lankan Army. We are not strangers to dangerous wars or the loss of our colleagues. The same people who perpetrated atrocities here, remain in power now.
As we stand here today, let us honour the memory of all those who have sacrificed everything in the pursuit of truth. Let us pledge to stand in solidarity with the journalists of Palestine, amplify their voices, and demand accountability for the unthinkable crimes being committed against them. The world may try to silence them, but we will not rest until justice is served, and their sacrifices are acknowledged and given due recognition.
Thank you.’
