Gaza, February 13, 2025 – The ongoing bombardments by the Israeli occupation forces in Gaza, which have persisted for 15 months, have led to the destruction of the headquarters of 22 local radio stations. This has forced these stations to cease broadcasting, either entirely or partially, according to Palestine Media Forum.
In observance of World Radio Day, celebrated on February 13, the forum reported that during the genocidal war that began on October 7, 2023, against the Gaza Strip, occupying forces “systematically targeted media infrastructures within the territory, destroying the headquarters of 22 radio stations, including Sawt Al-Aqsa, Sawt Al-Quds, Sawt Al-Asra, Sawt Al-Shaab, and Alwan, among others.” These stations served as vital outlets for the Palestinian public to stay informed about news and developments on the ground.
The forum estimates the material losses incurred by local radio stations to be in the millions of dollars, noting that “the destruction affected broadcasting equipment that is difficult to replace due to the blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip, which prohibits the entry of essential equipment and tools necessary for resuming journalistic operations.”
The forum emphasized that “depriving Palestinians of their local radio stations during these challenging times constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, which guarantees freedom of the press, particularly in conflict zones.”
The Media Forum strongly condemned the “systematic targeting of Palestinian media” and called on international organizations and concerned individuals worldwide to “provide urgent support to help local radio stations restore their broadcasts.”
