The Journalist Support Committee condemns the deliberate firing of live bullets at journalists in Gaza

The Journalist Support Committee has condemned the use of excessive force and live bullets against Palestinian journalists while performing their journalistic duty in covering Gaza's March of Return, injuring two journalists with live bullets while others suffered asphyxiation due to excessive gas inhalation.

The Journalists Support Committee identified journalist Ahmed Muammar and journalist Ahmad Qafa as being shot by an Israeli sniper east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. Others were injured by asphyxiation due to gas inhalation, among the injured were journalist Mohammed Joudeh, Ashraf Abu Amra, Nivine Salim and Mohammed Al Kahlout.

The Committee also condemned the attacks against Palestinian journalists during their coverage of the clashes between Palestinian youths and Israeli soldiers in the Bab al-Zawiya area of Hebron.

The Committee confirmed that the Israeli occupation forces deliberately shot at journalists to prevent them from covering the Israeli aggressions using excessive force against demonstrators.

The Committee called for the need to provide protection to journalists while performing their professional duty a need guaranteed by all international conventions and covenants, It also called for the need to provide protective uniforms and vests for Palestinian journalists working in the Gaza Strip from shields and helmets, noting that the occupation has prevented its entry into Gaza Strip for years.

Journalist Support Committee - Palestine
30 March 2018