Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-29 09:52:04
A gathering took place in Johannesburg on Sunday to honor the journalists who lost their lives in the conflict in Gaza. Journalists and pro-Palestinian demonstrators from South Africa came together to pay tribute to the 83 journalists and media workers who have died since the conflict began, including 76 Palestinian journalists, four Israeli journalists, and three Lebanese journalists.
During the vigil, attendees, including journalists, engaged in discussions about the challenges faced by reporters, particularly regarding the concept of objectivity. The organizer of the vigil, Deshnee Subramany, emphasized the impact of the ongoing conflict on journalists’ ability to maintain objectivity, stating, “Objectivity is even on journalists’ minds, especially as this genocide is happening, and we’re not really sure where to go and how to say things. So it was a very poignant conversation, and I’m really glad we had it.”
The Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip, under Hamas rule, reported 26,083 deaths and over 64,400 injuries since a surprise attack by militants from Gaza in southern Israel on October 7, resulting in around 1,200 casualties and approximately 250 hostages. South Africa has accused Israel of genocide and has taken the matter to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, seeking interim measures while the case proceeds. These measures include halting Israel’s offensive, providing Gaza residents access to aid, and ensuring “reasonable measures” are taken to prevent genocide.
The vigil in Johannesburg was a reflection of solidarity with the victims and a way to raise awareness of the challenges faced by journalists reporting on the conflict. It served as a platform for important discussions about the impact of the conflict on journalists and the ethical dilemmas they encounter, ultimately emphasizing the need for a resolution to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
