BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) has condemned the death of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil, who died after an Israeli strike hit the house where she was seeking shelter.
Khalil, along with her colleague Zeinab Faraj, was trapped and alive for hours under rubble as Red Cross teams came under fire while attempting rescue efforts.
IWMF is the only global organisation built to serve the holistic needs of women and nonbinary journalists.
President of IWMF, Elisa Lees Muñoz lamented that the horrific incident occurred during a truce between Israel and Lebanon, when any deliberate attack on civilians, or interference with rescue efforts, would violate the agreement.
She said that journalists should never be the object of military operations, yet there is mounting evidence that Israel is targeting reporters.
"We demand clarity into the circumstances around these strikes and accountability for Khalil’s death.
"Journalists are our eyewitnesses to history; attempts to silence their voices must be met with international scrutiny and outrage. Our thoughts are with Khalil’s loved ones and colleagues as they mourn her loss," Muñoz added.
The IWMF is a bold and inclusive organisation that supports journalists with awards, reporting opportunities, fellowships, grants, safety training and emergency aid.
As one of the largest supporters of women-produced journalism, its transformative work strengthens equal opportunity and press freedom worldwide.
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