Hamas Urges Israel to Permit Foreign Journalists into Gaza
Izzat al‑Rishq applauds international media call and denounces press restrictions by Israeli forces
Gaza, PUREWILAYAH.COM - A senior Hamas official, Izzat al‑Rishq, has voiced strong support for a global initiative led by hundreds of prominent journalists demanding unfettered access to Gaza. In a statement released on Tuesday, he described Israel’s prohibition of foreign press in the besieged territory as a “clear violation of press freedom” and an effort to conceal its military campaign from the international community.
The initiative, known as the Freedom to Report petition, has been signed by journalists across the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Portugal, and Turkey. It is also backed by major press freedom organizations including the Association of European Journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders.
The petition emphasises that the current information blackout in Gaza undermines the public’s right to know and renders journalism incapable of holding power accountable. It further warns that if Israeli authorities persist in denying entry, journalists may attempt to enter independently or in partnership with humanitarian groups. Izzat al‑Rishq affirmed that this blockade highlights Israel's "fear of exposing its aggression and terrorism".
The statement aligns with mounting criticism over Israel’s ongoing restrictions amid a humanitarian crisis, in which over 230 journalists have been killed since the war began—making it the most lethal conflict for press workers in history. Gaza-based journalists, working amid shortages of food, water, electricity, and internet access, continue to bear the brunt of this media blackout.
Fresh Israeli attacks have reportedly killed dozens across Gaza, including aid seekers and children, exacerbating global concern over what many humanitarian experts describe as a “man‑made famine” driven by the regime’s blockade and bombardment. (PW)
Source: PressTv