LJournalists have always faced access restrictions to conflict zones. But the situation in Gaza is unprecedented. For more than nine hundred and thirty days, Israel has formally prohibited the foreign press from independent access to the territory and its population.
In other recent conflicts, even where danger is constant – in Ukraine, Iraq, Syria – foreign journalists have still managed to work relatively independently.
Going into the field is an essential condition of journalism. This allows us to question official versions, speak directly to civilians and report what they experience and see first-hand. This is why press organizations send their reporters to the front, often at the risk of their lives.
Also read the analysis | Article reserved for our subscribers Why Israel still does not allow the international press to enter the Gaza Strip
This blockade has placed the responsibility for covering this devastating war and its consequences squarely on our Gazan colleagues. Like all Palestinians in Gaza, they live and work in extreme conditions, facing hunger, forced displacement, and the loss of loved ones. They have also faced continued restrictions and deadly, targeted attacks. Their protection should be unequivocal. And they shouldn’t have to carry this burden alone.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has given several reasons to justify maintaining this blackout, such as the protection of its soldiers. But the most intense fighting is over and a ceasefire is in place. The hostages returned home. Journalists have never posed a threat to Israeli troops. There is a mechanism – albeit extremely restrictive – for aid workers to enter and leave the territory. Why not journalists?
The Israeli state has chosen to ignore our multiple requests for access and dialogue, and our appeals to its Supreme Court have gone unanswered. On the occasion of this Press Freedom Week, we reiterate our call: Israel must immediately lift this ban. Freedom of the press is a fundamental value in any open society. Let us enter Gaza.
Richard Burgess, BBC; Phil Chetwynd, Agence France-Presse; Philippe Corbé, France Télévisions; Rachel Corp, ITN; Xavier Counasse, “Le Soir”; Katie den Daas, ABC News; Thomas Evans, NPR; Jérôme Fenoglio, “Le Monde”; Jean-Marc Four, Radio France international for France Médias Monde; Alessandra Galloni, Reuters; Sven Gösmann, German Press Agency DPA; Miguel Jimenez, “El Pais”; Joseph Kahn, “The New York Times”; Carsten Knop, “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”; Rebecca Kutler, MS Now; Bernward Loheide, Catholic News Agency KNA; John Micklethwait, Bloomberg; Matt Murray, “The Washington Post”; Valentine Oberti, “Mediapart”; Miguel Angel Oliver, EFE; Julie Pace, The Associated Press; Paul Quinio, “Liberation”; Debbie Ramsay, Channel 5 News; Maribel Sanchez-Maroto, RTVE; Justin Stevens, Australian Broadcasting Corporation; Sir Mark Thompson, CNN Worldwide; Agnès Vahramian, Radio France; Katharine Viner, “The Guardian”; Sarah Whitehead, Sky News; Laura Wilshaw, ITV News; Esme Wren, Channel 4 News.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
