Salama Maarouf general manager of the government media office in Gaza called in a press conference held on Sunday evening for cancelling Israel’s membership from the International Federation of Journalists.
Maarouf pointed out that Israel carried out more than 600 press violations since the beginning of 2016 in total violation of international laws and norms.
The reported 600 press violations include the killing of 53 Palestinian journalists and the arrest of 137 others 24 of them are still held behind Israeli bars.
Maarouf hailed the heroic sacrifices made by the Palestinian journalists to expose Israel’s ugly image.
He announced the start of the day of solidarity with Palestinian journalists on December 31st that would include various activities in support of journalists.
He pointed out that the activities would continue for ten days with cooperation from several institutions.
He added that the activities will begin with the football championship and with the cooperation of several institutions including the Ministry of Sports and Amwaj Media. The football league designated a Palestinian journalist day championship for December 21st and 22nd.
The Palestinian government in Gaza has adopted the date of December 31st each year to honor the Palestinian journalists in recognition of their sacrifices.
