SANEF Condemns Deplorable Targeting and Murder of Journalists in Gaza
11 August 2025
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) expresses its profound abhorrence and outrage at the continued assassination and brutal murder of journalists in Gaza. SANEF considers these actions deplorable and an evil assault on press freedom and human rights.
SANEF has, on numerous occasions, unequivocally condemned the brutality of the Israeli military in specifically targeting journalists and systematically denying other international journalists the ability to report live from Gaza. This pattern of behaviour is a grave threat to the public’s right to information.
The Al Jazeera Media Network has tragically reported the deaths of its five correspondents, Anas al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Moamen Aliwa, and their assistant Mohammed Noufal, in what appears to be another blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom. These incidents are not isolated, but form part of a worrying pattern designed to silence critical reporting.
Disturbingly, the Israeli military has admitted to targeting journalists, attempting to unfairly brand them as Hamas operatives without any shred of evidence to justify these cold-blooded murders.
We wish to record our deepest repugnance at the death toll of journalists in Gaza since the attack on October 7th, 2023, by Hamas on Israeli civilians.
SANEF joins the call of other international organisations dedicated to defending media rights and advocating for media freedom and the protection of journalists, and voices its grave concerns. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has repeatedly highlighted the record number of journalists killed in the conflict, emphasising the urgent need for investigations and accountability.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has similarly condemned the deliberate targeting of media workers, underscoring the vital role journalists play in informing the world during times of conflict.
Furthermore, the United Nations has noted that at least 242 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
SANEF calls upon all relevant international bodies and governments to exert maximum pressure to ensure the immediate cessation of hostilities against journalists, guarantee their safety, and hold accountable those responsible for these heinous crimes. The world relies on journalists to bear witness and report the truth, and their protection must be paramount.
Note to Editors:
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) is a non-profit organisation whose members are editors, senior journalists, and journalism trainers from all areas of South African media. We are committed to championing South Africa’s hard-won freedom of expression and promoting quality, ethics, and diversity in the South African media. We promote excellence in journalism by fighting for media freedom, writing policy submissions, conducting research, and providing education and training programmes. SANEF is not a union.
For more information, please contact:
Makhudu Sefara – Chairperson (079) 177-2134
Tshamano Makhadi – Deputy Chairperson (082) 223-0621
Glenda Daniels – Secretary-General (083) 229-9708
Sbu Ngalwa – Treasurer-General (073) 404-1415
Sli Khanyile – Media Freedom Chair (083) 471-0367
Katy Katopodis – Wellness and Safety Chair (082) 805-7022
Dianne Hawker – Gauteng Convenor (072) 016-5984
Judy Sandison – KZN Convenor (082) 571-3334
Rochelle De Kock – Eastern Cape Convenor (072) 969-8028
Sisanda Nkoala – Western Cape Convenor (073) 138 5564
Reggy Moalusi – Executive Director (071) 682-3695
Twitter: @SAEditorsForum
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.SANEF.org.za
