Cairo: The Arab Information Ministers Council, concluding its 55th regular session at the League of Arab States’ headquarters, reaffirmed the necessity of continued support for the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the political, humanitarian, and legal dimensions, especially concerning occupied Jerusalem.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Council urged Arab media outlets to maintain coverage of developments amid ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations in Gaza and severe breaches in the West Bank. The Council condemned the targeting of Palestinian journalists by Israeli forces, citing violations of international humanitarian law.

The Council highlighted the importance of promoting the Media Code of Ethics, as amended during the 163rd session of the Council of the League of Arab States in April. It stressed the activation and widespread promotion of the code within Arab media, focusing on integrity, objectivity, and credibility, while rejecting biased rhetoric and respecting member states’ sovereign rights.

Additionally, the Council adopted the Arab Strategy for Media and Information Literacy and the Unified Arab Plan for Addressing Environmental Issues and Sustainable Development, aligned with the Arab Vision 2045, adopted at the 34th Arab Summit in Baghdad.

The Council emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive implementation of the Arab Media Action Plan Abroad, beginning with media support for the Palestinian cause and countering the Israeli narrative. A team of experts was tasked with developing a phased plan for the Arab Media Strategy for Combating Terrorism, in collaboration with Naif Arab University for Security Sciences.

Further, the Council called upon member states and media organizations to implement the Arab Media Roadmap for Sustainable Development and urged the preparation of a comprehensive Arab vision for negotiations with international media companies.

Addressing media issues related to children, the Council approved the Arab Child Media Award, a joint initiative between the League of Arab States’ Media and Communication Sector and Social Affairs Sector. It also granted observer status to the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, reflecting a commitment to engaging with media stakeholders in the Arab and Islamic world.

The Council’s decision includes 20 unions and organizations working in fields of news, production, programming, and audio-visual media, aiming to enhance cooperation and exchange of expertise in the media and communication sector.