Inp.polri.go.id - Istanbul.  ANTARA, the state news agency, underscored the crucial need to support the protection of journalists in conflict zones, particularly in areas like Palestine. During the 51st Conference and Executive Board Meeting of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) in Istanbul, Turkey on Monday (23/10/23), ANTARA President Director Akhmad Munir, commonly known as "Cak Munir", said that that journalists should be protected while performing their duties. He raised his support for the Istanbul Declaration 2023, a consensus reached during the 51st Meeting of the OANA Executive Board, stressing the significance of the protection for journalists working in Palestine. The fourth point of the Istanbul Declaration 2023 stated, "OANA is deeply concerned about the conditions in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and recalls the importance of the protection of journalists in the region (Gaza Strip) and urges all institutions and organizations to make full efforts to ensure the safety of journalists." Serdar Karagoz, Managing Director of Turkey's Anadolu News Agency, which hosted the event, said at the outset of the OANA conference, the overriding importance of safeguarding journalists in conflict-prone regions, including Palestine. Ali Naderi, OANA President and Managing Director of IRNA News Agency, drew attention to the exacerbating effect of disinformation on the situation in Palestine. He asserted that news agencies must redouble their efforts in countering false information and disinformation. OANA organized a conference and board meeting in Istanbul under the theme 'Cooperation among News Agencies on Fighting Disinformation'. (ar/inp/pr/nm)