The United Kingdom is among 27 nations endorsing a statement that urges Israel to grant immediate and unfettered access to Gaza for independent foreign media outlets.
France, Germany, Australia, and Japan are also signatories to the statement released by the Media Freedom Coalition, an international alliance dedicated to upholding the rights and safety of journalists worldwide.
The joint declaration also condemned attacks targeting journalists, emphasizing the need for the protection of those reporting from Gaza.
Israel has barred international journalists from independently entering the Gaza Strip since the conflict began nearly two years ago. While some journalists have been permitted entry under controlled conditions facilitated by the IDF.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 192 journalists and media workers, predominantly Palestinian, have been killed since the onset of the conflict, marking it as the deadliest period for journalists on record.
Thursday’s statement, the first of its kind issued jointly by multiple countries, cites “the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe” as the impetus for their appeal, further stating their opposition to “all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists.”
The statement underscores that “deliberate targeting of journalists” is unacceptable, demanding thorough investigations into all attacks and subsequent prosecutions.
A recent incident occurred earlier this month when four Al Jazeera journalists, including prominent reporter Anas al-Sharif, were killed in an Israeli strike near Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital.
Al Jazeera reported that Sharif, correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh, and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal were in a designated journalists’ tent at the hospital’s main entrance when the strike occurred.
Two freelance journalists, Moamen Aliwa and Mohammed al-Khaldi, were also killed.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it had targeted Sharif, alleging that he “served as the head of a terrorist cell in Hamas.”
However, the CPJ stated that Israel has not provided evidence to substantiate these allegations. Al Jazeera has also refuted the Israeli claims.
With international journalists largely restricted from entering Gaza, local reporters have continued to provide coverage throughout the war, reporting directly via social media and for Palestinian or international media organizations.
Last year, Israel’s High Court of Justice ruled that restrictions on entry were justified on security grounds. The Foreign Press Association, representing journalists operating in Israel, has petitioned the court to lift the ban, arguing that “unprecedented restrictions” have “hindered independent reporting.”
Journalists remaining in Gaza face a dire situation, contending not only with Israeli air strikes but also the threat of starvation.
Last month, the BBC and three news agencies – Reuters, AP, and AFP – issued a joint statement expressing “desperate concern” for journalists in the territory, who they say are increasingly unable to provide food for themselves and their families.
More than 100 international aid organizations and human rights groups have warned of widespread starvation in Gaza.
Israel, which controls the entry of aid supplies into Gaza, has accused these charities of “serving the propaganda of Hamas.” However, its own government figures indicate that the amount of food allowed into the territory between March and July was significantly below what the World Food Programme (WFP) deems necessary to meet even basic assistance needs.
Concerns for Palestinians are escalating as the Israeli military initiates the initial stages of a planned ground offensive in Gaza City.
The Israeli government declared its intention to conquer the entire Gaza Strip after indirect negotiations with Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement collapsed last month.
The Israeli military launched its campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken.
According to the territory’s health ministry, at least 62,122 people have been killed in Gaza since then. The UN and other organizations cite the ministry’s figures as the most reliable source of available casualty statistics.
An Israeli military spokesman says troops will deepen the damage to the “terror infrastructure” held by Hamas.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounces the court as “an instrument of lawfare” against the US and Israel.
The Palestinian Authority says the decision is illegal and will “destroy” the prospects for a two-state solution.
Troops are already operating in some areas ahead of the planned operation, which the ICRC says will worsen “an already catastrophic situation”.
Relations between the countries have frayed since Australia said it planned to recognise a Palestinian state.