Picture; QNA/ X
New York: The United Nations Human Rights Office said that Gaza has become "the most dangerous place in the world for journalists," noting that about 300 reporters have been killed during the war in the Gaza Strip.
In a post on X, the office called on countries to take action "beyond words of condemnation and solidarity" to ensure accountability, protect journalists and allow independent access for international media organizations.
In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said that Israel's war in Gaza has become a deadly trap for the media, adding that roughly 300 journalists had been killed in the territory since October 2023.
He described a free press as "the oxygen of free and open societies."
He added that local journalists are often "best placed" to convey the reality on the ground in war zones, and he urged governments to investigate violations against journalists and hold those responsible to account.
On Lebanon, Turk said that in 2026 the country had become "the most dangerous for media workers."
A 10-day truce between Hezbollah and Israel began on April 17 and was later extended through May 17.
Israeli forces, however, have continued daily strikes that have caused casualties, in addition to widespread destruction of homes in dozens of villages in southern Lebanon.
