Pringle condemns the killing of journalists, citing the critical importance of their work
- Updated: 2nd November 2023
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, addressed the number of journalists killed since the start of the present escalation of the conflict in Gaza, saying it was evident that Israeli forces are targeting those reporting the truth on the ground in Gaza.
Addressing the Taoiseach in the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “The Committee to Protect Journalists have reported that as of yesterday the number of journalists killed since the start of the present escalation of the conflict in Gaza stands at 23.
“Three have been killed by Hamas, and 20 have been killed by Israeli forces. Eight others are reported injured, and three are missing or detained.
“At a time when we are flooded with vast amounts of propaganda and falsehoods emanating from official Israeli government sources and uncritically carried, often without proper scrutiny by various media outlets across the world, it has never been more important that journalists can operate freely in a conflict zone without being targeted by security forces.
“Sadly, it is evident, not least when you consider the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh last year by the IDF and their subsequent preposterous denial, that Israeli forces are targeting those reporting on the truth on the ground in Gaza.
“Given that the first casualty of war is truth, killing journalists is how they are achieving this,” he said.
The deputy raised the issue today during Questions on policy or legislation.
Deputy Pringle said: “I’m asking you, Taoiseach, will your government call this behaviour out?”
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