JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation will hold an extraordinary session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers in Istanbul on Feb. 24 to discuss joint efforts to “confront the Israeli occupying authority’s disinformation and hostilities against journalists and media outlets” in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Turkiye is hosting the conference in its capacity as chair, and it is expected that information ministers and ministers responsible for communication from OIC member states will participate. OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha will deliver a speech at the conference informing participants of ongoing crimes committed by Israel against journalists and professionals at various media outlets and institutions. Numerous reports document Israel’s suppression of the media in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including targeting more than 140 media institutions. At least 126 people working in the press and media sector have died since Israel began military operations in Gaza following the attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. As part of its campaign, Israeli strikes have destroyed the premises of several media institutions in Gaza, while internet access in the enclave has also been cut. Israel’s campaign in Gaza has now been underway for more than four months, and has reportedly left more than 28,000 people dead, displacing millions more Palestinians and causing widespread destruction.