GAZA (Palestine Foundation Information Center) The world celebrates World Radio Day today, February 13, at a time when Palestinian media is suffering an unprecedented disaster due to Israel’s ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip since October 2023. Israeli bombardment has led to the destruction of the headquarters of 22 local radio stations, causing them to cease broadcasting entirely or partially, in a blatant violation of press freedom and the public’s right to access information.
The Palestinian Journalists Forum confirmed that during the Israeli aggression, which has lasted for more than 15 months, Israeli occupation forces systematically targeted the media infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, destroying the offices of prominent stations such as Al-Aqsa Voice, Jerusalem Voice, Prisoners’ Voice, Government Opinion, People’s Voice, Homeland Voice, Alwan, and the Quran Radio stations affiliated with the Islamic University and the Ministry of Awqaf, along with other stations that served as a main window for the Palestinian public to follow news and field developments.
Severe losses and a violation of press freedom
According to the Forum, the material losses incurred by local radios are estimated in the millions of dollars, as the destruction affected broadcast equipment that is difficult to replace due to the Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, which prevents the entry of the necessary equipment and tools to resume journalistic work.
In addition to the bombardment, Israeli restrictions on fuel supplies, electricity outages, and targeting of communication and internet networks have crippled these radios’ ability to continue their work.
The Forum emphasized that depriving Palestinians of their local radios during these difficult times not only represents a loss for media institutions but is also a severe violation of international law, which guarantees press freedom, especially in conflict areas.
International calls for the reconstruction of media institutions
The Journalists Forum strongly condemned the “systematic Israeli targeting of Palestinian media,” affirming its full support for local radio workers who have lost their workplaces and equipment, as well as for their colleagues who have been martyred, injured, or detained during the aggression.
The Forum called on international organizations and the free people of the world to provide urgent support to help local radios restore their broadcasts, emphasizing their crucial role in providing Palestinians with information and community awareness amid the ongoing aggression. It also demanded the launch of a project to rebuild Palestinian media institutions to ensure the return of radio broadcasting as soon as possible.
Radio remains an important voice for the people, especially in times of crisis. On World Radio Day, Palestinian media faces an existential challenge amid a genocidal war targeting all aspects of life in the Gaza Strip, including the media that carries the message of truth to the world.
