Palestinian journalists reported on a recent surge of violence from Israel. The surge started after October 7 in Gaza. They got the famous World Press Freedom Prize from UNESCO. AFP reported this on Thursday. The world has praised Palestinian journalists. They include Motaz Azaiza, Plestia Alaqad, and Bisan Owda. They receive praise for their brave reporting during these tough times.
Mauricio Weibel is the chair of the international jury. It comprises media professionals. He stressed the importance of acknowledging the bravery and dedication of Palestinian journalists. They face the darkness and despair of the ongoing crisis. "We owe them a lot," Weibel remarked. "They were brave and committed to free expression."
Audrey Azoulay is the director-general of UNESCO. She commended the awarded journalists for their bravery in dangerous circumstances. She emphasized the tribute to their courage. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has data. It shows that Israel's violence since October has killed at least 97 journalists. 92 of them were Palestinians.
The offensive was in retaliation for an October 7 attack. Palestine's health ministry reported it. It has led to the loss of at least 34,596 lives in Gaza. Most of the dead were women and children. A recent report is from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Al Jazeera cited it. The report underscored the severe economic costs of Israel's aggressive actions in Gaza.
The UNDP report revealed that Israel's attack hurt the economy. It hurt the economy in the occupied Palestinian territories. If the violence continues, the impact could be devastating. The UNDP warns that they are not checking Israel for its aggression. It could shrink the region's economy by up to one-third in 2024. Comparing this to pre-war estimates. It would make existing challenges worse and put more Palestinians into poverty.
The report also projects a big increase in poverty rates. Estimates say over 60 percent of the population could fall into poverty. This will happen if Israel's military operation continues for nine months. This grim scenario would add 1.86 million people to poverty. It would worsen the already dire crisis in the region.
