Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, has strongly condemned the killing of freelance photojournalist Mahmoud Islim Al-Basos in Beit Lahia, Palestine, on 15 March.
“I condemn the killing of Mahmoud Islim Al-Basos and call for a thorough and transparent investigation. Once again, I reiterate my call to respect UN Security Council Resolution 2222, unanimously adopted in 2015 on the protection of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel as civilians in situations of conflict, a status recently reaffirmed in the Pact for the Future,” Azoulay said in a statement.
Al-Basos, who contributed to several outlets including Anadolu Agency and Reuters, was reportedly killed in a drone attack along with several aid workers while documenting displacement camps in Beit Lahia.
According to UNESCO, at least 71 journalists and media workers have been killed in Palestine since October 2023 while performing their duties, not including deaths unrelated to their profession.
UNESCO continues to provide emergency assistance to journalists in Gaza, including psychosocial support, access to equipment, and capacity-building initiatives. The organisation also promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness campaigns and coordinates the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
