By The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM) has sent a letter to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Culture and Media, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and members of the Parliament of Montenegro, expressing deep solidarity with civilians and journalists affected by the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
We are witnessing the systemic, deliberate starvation of the population of Gaza — people who have been without access to food, water, medical aid, or shelter for days. This is not the result of a natural disaster, but a political decision — a form of collective punishment carried out by the Government of Israel. What is happening in Gaza today constitutes a war crime and a crime against humanity: hunger is being used as a weapon, and the denial of basic living necessities — including medicine and drinking water — is taking place before the eyes of the world. And before our eyes. The only remaining witnesses to these crimes and suffering are local journalists. Under blockade, without the presence of foreign journalists who are explicitly prevented from entering, they risk their lives daily to bring the truth to the world.
The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ and EFJ) warn that journalists in Gaza have been physically exhausted: they are starving, losing consciousness and strength — and with it, their ability to do their work. According to IFJ data, at least 187 journalists and media workers have been killed since the start of the war in Gaza. Their deaths send a dangerous message: that the truth must not be heard. By closing Gaza to foreign journalists, the Israeli military is choking freedom of expression and the public’s right to know. We are witnessing the literal silencing of voices of truth — journalists — through starvation to death.
TUMM demands that the Government of Montenegro clearly define its position on war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, stop hiding behind neutral formulations, and cease avoiding concrete action.
We demand that Montenegro publicly and officially support: the urgent evacuation of civilians in immediate danger, international calls to allow access for foreign journalists to Gaza, protection of local journalists, and the initiation of an international investigation into the systematic starvation as a war crime.
Montenegro must stand on the side of truth, humanity, and international law. We expect the Government of Montenegro to decisively uphold the principles of international law and the protection of human rights.
