Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
President Joe Biden on Friday said “far too many journalists” have been killed in Gaza, where the death toll among reporters and media workers has reached nearly 100 since Israel launched its offensive in response to the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.
In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, Mr Biden said the media's work is essential to democracy, and noted that journalists go to great lengths to expose corruption, document wars and inform the public about critical world events.
“On World Press Freedom Day, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of journalists and media workers around the world risking everything in pursuit of truth,” Mr Biden.
“This is especially resonant today, 2023 was one of the deadliest years for journalists in recent memory. One reason for that is the war in Gaza, where far too many journalists, the vast majority of them Palestinian, have been killed,” he said.
“Journalism should not be a crime anywhere on Earth.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has documented the deaths of 97 journalists and media workers since October 7. Of those killed, 92 were Palestinian.
The death toll marks the deadliest period for journalists since the CPJ started collecting data in 1992.
Israel has blocked the entry of foreign journalists into Gaza, with the exception of a few embeds with its army, leaving the coverage of this war entirely up to local journalists.
Palestinians and news organisations say Israel directly targets journalists in Gaza, a charge the Israeli military denies.
Mr Biden's statement came after he drew criticism for failing to mention the Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza during his remarks at the annual White House Correspondents' Association gala dinner.
The event, held in Washington, is arguably the highest profile celebration of journalists and the freedom of press in the US.
The war in Gaza, now in its seventh month, has been deadly for Gaza's entire population, not just journalists.
More than 34,500 Palestinians have been killed in the enclave, the majority of them civilians, according to local health authorities.
And Mr Biden's full support of Israel in the war has infuriated Arab Americans, progressives and university students around the country.
His administration has continued to back Israel politically, diplomatically, and militarily. Last month, Mr Biden signed a bill that would send $26 billion in additional funds to Israel, $14 billion of which includes weapons.
“Far too many journalists have been killed in Gaza, but according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, it's because they are being targeted by Israeli forces,” said Zaha Hassan, a human rights lawyer and a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
“More than recognition of the more than 100 who've been killed, more than any other conflict in modern times, President Biden must take action against Israel by suspending offensive weapons,” Ms Hassan told The National.
According to the World Press Freedom Index, this year has marked a “clear lack of political will” on the part of the international leaders to enforce the principles of protection of journalists, which is mandated under international law.
“The war in Gaza has been marked by a record number of violations against journalists and the media since October 2023,” the World Press Freedom Index says on its website.
“More than 100 Palestinian reporters have been killed by the Israel Defence Forces, including at least 22 in the course of their work,” the group said.
A statement by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday made no mention of Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza.
What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Titanium Escrow profile
Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family
