The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura, today condemned the killing of Fadel Shanaa, a Palestinian cameraman working for the Reuters news agency in Gaza, and urged due regard to the safety of journalists.
“I condemn the killing of Palestinian journalist Fadel Shanaa,” declared the Director-General. “I trust the Israeli authorities will spare no effort in investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack on Mr Shanaa’s vehicle. It is important,” Mr Matsuura added, “that due regard be paid to the safety of journalists, at all times and under all circumstances.”
Mr Shanaa, 25, died after a missile hit his vehicle on 16 April. He and sound engineer Wafa Barbakh, who was injured, were filming Israeli tanks’ action near the Al-Barij refugee camp, when their vehicle was hit. The vehicle is reported to have been clearly marked with the word “Press” to indicate it was being used by journalists.
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Document Sources: United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Subject: Gaza Strip, Incidents, Protection, Public information, Security issues
Publication Date: 21/04/2008