A coalition of African journalists has condemned what it describes as Israel’s “deliberate targeting” of Palestinian journalists in Gaza, calling for international accountability and tougher action against the Israeli government.
The group, known as African Journalists Against Genocide (AJAG), was founded by Nigerian broadcaster Ireti Bakare-Yusuf and brings together media professionals from more than 20 African countries.
In a statement and accompanying video, AJAG accused Israel of pursuing a systematic strategy of silencing the press by targeting Palestinian reporters who continue to document the war.
Journalists under fire
Since the start of the war in Gaza, more than 250 journalists have been killed—making it the deadliest period for media workers in the 21st century. Israel has blocked almost all international reporters from entering Gaza, leaving local journalists to bear the burden of documenting the conflict.
AJAG argues that this has made Palestinian journalists a direct target.
“The deliberate targeting of these journalists indicates the Israeli state’s clear strategy of suppressing the truth,” the coalition said. “Without their voices, their eyes, their determination to inform, report and document the atrocities, the world would be blind to the full scale of Israel’s campaign.”
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Echoes of Africa’s history
The group drew parallels between Gaza and Africa’s own past struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
“As Africans, we know too well the ugly face of occupation and apartheid,” the statement continued. “We call on the international community to treat Israel as it once treated apartheid South Africa—with sanctions, accountability, and justice.”
Call for global solidarity
AJAG stressed that journalism must never be treated as a crime, while killing journalists must always be condemned as one.
“Reporting on war crimes is not a crime. Killing journalists is a crime,” the coalition said, urging that Israel be held accountable under international law.
The group also warned that silence from the global community only deepens complicity.
“We call on national journalist unions, the Federation of African Journalists, and international press bodies to join us in demanding accountability and justice,” AJAG said. “African voices cannot be silent.”
The statement ended with a rallying call for solidarity: “Demand an end to the killing of journalists. Demand an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza—now.”
