Jerusalem Association of Journalists to International Federation of Journalists: Stop Being Hamas Propagandists

The Jerusalem Association of Journalists sent a scathing letter to the International Federation of Journalists, accusing them of serving as propaganda mouthpieces for Hamas and of accusing Israel of targeting journalists before conducting any investigation or presenting any evidence.

The Jerusalem Association of Journalists (JAJ) sent a scathing letter today (Thursday) to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), accusing them of being "being a propaganda tool for the Hamas terrorist organization and the Palestinian Journalists Association," and spreading false accusations that Israel was deliberately targeting journalists during its war against Hamas.

The letter bemoaned the decision of IFJ to condemn Israel and effectively take a side during a conflict, a violation of a core tenet of journalism. The letter also criticized the decision of the IFJ to both demand an investigation into the deaths of Palestinian journalists while also implying Israeli fault without further evidence. Last but not least, the JAJ noted the IFJ's failure to acknowledge the lack of freedom for journalists in Hamas-controlled territory.

The JAJ claimed that this was typical of IFJ behavior, and that while the JAJ has participated in IFJ conferences in the past and even tried to set up hotlines for Israeli and Palestinian journalists to keep each other safe, the JAJ would cease to participate in IFJ events and would remain unaffiliated with them due the aforementioned statements against Israel.

An official release published today by the IFJ appears to confirm the close cooperation of the IFJ with the Palestinian Association of Journalists, where they stated that "the IFJ is working closely with PJS to verify information in real time and document all killings."

The IFJ's statement that "The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) condemn the killings and continued attacks on journalists. The IFJ calls for an immediate investigation into their deaths" appears to serve as the basis of the JAJ's accusatory letter, per which the IFJ is at least implying Israeli guilt before an investigation has been done or evidence presented.