Cairo— A solidarity day held at the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate on Tuesday evening demanded justice for Samer Abu Duqa, the Al Jazeera photojournalist killed by Israeli forces last Friday in the Gaza Strip. The event also praised the bravery of his colleague, channel correspondent Wael Dahdouh.
The solidarity event with Palestinian journalism at the Syndicate’s headquarters in central Cairo became an occasion to commend journalistic icons, particularly Abu Duqa and Dahdouh, for their role in exposing Israeli crimes. There was a discussion about a proposed treaty to ensure journalists' safety during conflicts and wars, according to exclusive statements obtained by "Al Jazeera Net".
The day saw widespread Egyptian and Palestinian participation and included a press conference attended by the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate’s head, Khaled Elbalshy, and a seminar titled "Displacement is a Red Line," alongside artistic and musical activities.
Wael Dahdouh had been nominated on December 17 for the Egyptian Press Freedom Award by the Board of Trustees of the Egyptian Press Award, affiliated with the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate.
The head of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, Nasser Abu Baker, warned of a potential large-scale massacre against Palestinian journalists (Al Jazeera).
Pursuing Israel
On the sidelines of the solidarity day, Nasser Abu Baker told Al Jazeera Net, "The martyr Samer Abu Duqa was an extraordinary photographer and served all journalists dutifully." He added that there is an ongoing effort with the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate and the International Federation of Journalists to bring Israeli leaders before the International Criminal Court. The Palestinian syndicate has prepared all the legal files necessary to indict the Israeli occupation leaders.
Abu Baker also warned of potential larger-scale events in the future, such as a major massacre against Palestinian journalists, similar to what happened to Wael Dahdouh and Samer Abu Duqa.
Monir Zaarour, Director of Programs and Policies at the International Federation of Journalists, stated to Al Jazeera Net, that the federation is set to launch a new initiative for a treaty to ensure journalist safety during conflict and war through the United Nations. He mentioned that this initiative is supported by some countries and expressed hope that it would receive backing from all nations, including Egypt, to preserve the word and its freedom.
Zaarour clarified that the International Federation collaborates with both Palestinian and Egyptian syndicates to guarantee the safety of Palestinian journalists and prosecute the perpetrators at the International Criminal Court.
Palestinian activist Mariam Abu Duqa said her relative, the martyr Samer, demonstrated the value of Palestinian journalism in the struggle for truth (Al Jazeera).
Deserving of Honor
Mohamed Saad Abdel Hafiz, deputy of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, told Al Jazeera Net that Dahdouh's nomination for the Press Freedom Award is recognition of his work, exemplifying the model of the field journalist. He highlighted Dahdouh's role as a courageous journalist who repeatedly returns to his duty despite direct Zionist terrorism targeting him, his family, and his work colleagues.
Mariam Abu Duqa, a relative of Samer and a leader in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, told Al Jazeera Net that Palestinian journalism had become the first authority, not the fourth. She added that the efforts of Dahdouh and Samer, and before them Shireen Abu Aqleh, embody the significant role of journalism in the Palestinian liberation movement against Western Zionist media.
Abu Duqa emphasized that the Palestinian narrative has reached the West, overcoming the dominant international coalition supporting Israel. Palestinian journalists have documented the truth with voice and image, reaching audiences in both the East and the West.
She praised Al Jazeera's coverage of events in Palestine, highlighting that the network offers the whole truth, which has come at a high price from Shireen Abu Aqleh to Samer Abu Duqa and Wael Dahdouh's injury. Abu Duqa also commended the honoring of Dahdouh.
Palestinian journalist Wael Abu Duqa condemned the targeting of his cousin Samer, whom he called "a dear friend and a diligent person" (Al Jazeera).
"A Historic Phase"
Mohamed Kharaja, a member of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate's board, told Al Jazeera Net that Dahdouh provides an important image of the heroic journalist who is steadfast in the truth, enduring hardships to advocate for the Palestinian cause.
Ali El-Qammash, head of the Syndicate's Performance Committee, highlighted that Palestinian media had taught the world a lesson above its technological capabilities, skills, and training, outperforming it and rendering it inconsequential.
Regarding Dahdouh's honor, El-Qammash explained that Dahdouh was chosen as the exemplary global journalist, pressing on despite personal suffering to deliver the voice of the Palestinian cause with exceptional professionalism.
He also noted that targeting Al Jazeera, from Shireen Abu Aqleh to Samer Abu Duqa, represents an attack on the truth.
Deputy of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, Mohamed Saad Abdel Hafiz (right), values the contributions of Dahdouh and the valor of martyr Samer (Al Jazeera).
Anticipated Arab Engagement
At a press conference during the solidarity day, Khaled Elbalshy, head of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, stated that the assassination of Samer Abu Duqa is a war crime and an attack on the Palestinian narrative, which has succeeded and reached the world. He deplored the rising numbers of Palestinian journalist martyrs amid global silence and Israel's determination to obscure the truth.
Elbalshy affirmed that Dahdouh's recent nomination for the Egyptian Press Freedom Award is an honor for all Palestinian journalism, recognizing the professionalism of a journalist who continues his work under bombardment, despite the impact on his family and team.
The event also featured a seminar on "Displacement is a Red Line," where strategic expert Amro Elshobaki warned of the continued U.S. bias towards the Israeli occupation, placing it above international law and legitimacy.
He explained that popular and humanitarian pressures are not only accepting the Palestinian narrative in the West but Arab voices abroad are now conveying a broader political message, emphasizing the importance of alternative elites in Western society.
Strategic expert Abd El-Aleem Mohamed from the Al-Ahram Center for Strategic Studies remarked that we are facing a significant criminal scheme, requiring more substantial actions from Arab countries, possibly hinting at the suspension of agreements and treaties.
