UNESCO Director-General condemns killings of journalists Ismail Al Ghoul and Ramy Al Refee in Palestine

Ismail al Ghoul was a journalist working for Al Jazeera Arabic and Ramy Al Refee was a freelance camera operator. They were killed in an air strike on a car reportedly identifiable as a press vehicle, while on assignment in West of Gaza City.

UNESCO has reported the deaths of at least 33 journalists and media workers in the line of work in Palestine since October 2023, which does not include deaths in circumstances unrelated to their profession. The 2024 UNESCO/Guillermo World Press Freedom Prize was awarded to Palestinian journalists covering Gaza, paying tribute to their courage and commitment to freedom of expression.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journaliststhrough global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Actionon the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" - UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

More information: www.unesco.org