Maltese journalists have called on the government to take concrete action and demonstrate courage in the face of the humanitarian and hunger crisis in Gaza.
“We demand that the Government of the Republic of Malta clearly define its stance on the genocide, or war crimes and crimes against humanity, in Gaza, stop hiding behind neutral formulations, and no longer avoid taking concrete actions,” a letter signed by 78 local journalists from 12 newsrooms said.
The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Robert Abela and Foreign Minister Ian Borg, urged the government to support the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and called for an international investigation into systematic starvation as a war crime.
The letter, penned by the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), also called on Abela’s government to publicly support calls to allow foreign journalists access to Gaza, as well as the protection of local reporters.
On media freedom and the protection of journalists, the IGM demanded that the government publicly support calls to allow foreign journalists access to Gaza, as well as the protection of local reporters.
Such letters are being sent to governments by journalism unions across the EU as part of an initiative by the European Federation of Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists.
The initiative comes as Gaza-based journalists face starvation and are losing the ability to do their jobs as a result.
“When the truth is being starved into silence, it is our duty to speak even louder. It is a moral and political disgrace that the Maltese government remains silent at this moment,” the letter said.