The Nigerian government has expressed strong condemnation for the attacks on journalists in Gaza and has called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, represented by Ambassador Zayyad Abdul-Salam, the Head of Mission of the Nigerian Embassy in Turkey, made this condemnation during the Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers. The session, titled “Israeli Government’s Disinformation and Hostilities Against Journalists during the Israeli Occupation of Palestine,” took place on Saturday in Istanbul, Turkey.

The minister emphasized that these attacks on journalists constitute clear violations of press freedom and human rights. He highlighted the fact that since the conflict began, journalists have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, violence, and even loss of life.

According to statistics provided by the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), a total of 88 journalists and media workers have been killed since the war started on October 7, 2023.

“As Ministers of Information representing member states of the Islamic Conference, it is our duty to strongly denounce these atrocities and acts of censorship against journalists who are carrying out their legitimate duties in Palestine,” the minister stated.

He emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to information in their response to such situations. He added that it is crucial not to allow these fundamental principles to be undermined by those who aim to silence dissent and control the narrative.

The minister called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reiterated Nigeria’s stance on a two-state solution to address the crisis in Palestine.