IMS is launching a new report which offers a snapshot of the challenges and needs facing media practitioners operating inside the Gaza Strip during the Gaza conflict. At the same time IMS is inside Gaza collecting further information on the situation in conjunction with a mission organised by the International Federation of Journalists

The report "Gaza media safety" is a first assessment of the safety needs among media practitioners operating inside Gaza. the findings are based on information provided by other international media organisaions as well as interviews conducted with international media as well as local media operating inside the Gaza Strip.

Journalists have described to IMS how media workers have not been allowed free passage around the conflict zone to perform their task to report on the situation. In fact, some express the opinion that the Israeli Army has followed a strategy of deliberately targetting media workers.

- Even if we have put TV or PRESS signs on our cars, or our vests have carried clear signs that we are from the press, this has not been respected, says Sakher Abou El Oun, president of the Palestinian Syndicate of Journalists in Gaza and working frelance for AFP.

"Lose your job or risk your life"

According to his information, there are about 800 media practitioners living in Gaza - of which only about a 100 hold permanent jobs. The rest work freelance and thus have little or no training in safety, no safety equipment and with no insurance to cover their injuries of compensate their families in case of death.

- A lot of journalists have been put in a very difficult situation where, in order not to lose their jobs, they have been forced to risk their lives, says Sakher Abou El Oun to IMS.

Click here to follow IMS on mission in Gaza.

For further details, contact IMS coomunications coordinator, Lotte Dahlmann on +45 2554-3541.