The United Kingdom is one of 27 countries endorsing a statement urging Israel to permit immediate independent access for foreign media to Gaza. This statement, issued by the Media Freedom Coalition—a group that advocates for the rights and safety of journalists—includes support from France, Germany, Australia, and Japan.
The statement denounces attacks on journalists and emphasizes the need to protect those operating in Gaza. Since the conflict escalated nearly two years ago, Israel has prohibited independent entry for international journalists into the Gaza Strip, although some have been allowed in under controlled circumstances arranged by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 192 journalists and media workers, primarily Palestinian, have been killed during this period.
The recent statement represents a unified call from these countries in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, opposing all restrictions on press freedom and urging investigations and prosecutions regarding the targeting of journalists. A recent incident highlighted in the statement involved the deaths of four Al Jazeera journalists in an Israeli strike near Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, with claims from the IDF that one of the journalists was linked to Hamas. The CPJ noted that no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims, which Al Jazeera has denied.
Local journalists continue to report from Gaza primarily through social media channels. Israel’s High Court of Justice ruled last year that restrictions on media access were justified for security reasons. However, the Foreign Press Association in Israel argues these measures severely impede independent reporting.
Conditions for journalists in Gaza have worsened, with many facing food shortages amidst ongoing airstrikes. Last month, major news organizations expressed significant concern over the welfare of journalists in Gaza amid warnings from over 100 aid and human rights groups about potential mass starvation in the territory. Israel, while controlling aid entry, has accused charities of being aligned with Hamas, despite data indicating aid levels fall short of essential needs.
The situation remains tense as Israel has commenced operations aimed at taking full control of Gaza Strip following a breakdown in negotiations with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and hostage release. According to reports from Gaza’s health ministry, at least 62,122 individuals have been killed since the conflict escalated, making its figures a key reference point for casualty statistics.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05ed10zqj8o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss