Over 200 Journalists Demand Unrestricted Access to Gaza Amid Israeli Blockade
“Freedom to Report” Initiative Calls for Global Press Independence and Protection
Gaza, PUREWILAYAH.COM - More than 200 prominent international journalists have signed a petition demanding immediate and unrestricted access for foreign media to the besieged Gaza Strip, as Israel continues to bar outside reporters from entering the territory.
Launched under the “Freedom to Report” initiative, the petition highlights the urgent need to protect journalists and uphold press independence in conflict zones worldwide.
“This is not only about Gaza. It is about defending the universal right to independent, on-the-ground reporting in conflict zones everywhere,” the statement reads.
The petition warns that Gaza represents the most urgent case of a broader pattern of silencing journalists and restricting press freedom. It calls on the international community to act, stating,
“If the democratic world truly intends to push back against this erosion of freedom, it must not turn a blind eye to Gaza.”
Signatories, including journalists from the US, UK, France, Brazil, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Portugal, and Turkey, as well as organizations like the Association of European Journalists, Committee to Protect Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders, are demanding that Israeli authorities allow foreign press access. If these demands are ignored, the petition says journalists will seek entry “by any legitimate means, independently, collectively, or in coordination with humanitarian or civil society actors.”
The statement emphasises that current restrictions deprive the world of impartial reporting and hinder accountability.
“Unrestricted, independent access for foreign journalists is urgently needed, not only to document the unfolding atrocities but to ensure that the truth of this war is not dictated by those who control the weapons and the narrative,” it says.
According to Palestinian officials, at least 219 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since the start of Israel’s military campaign more than 19 months ago. A new report notes that more journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023 than in both World Wars and other major conflicts combined.
With Israel continuing to deny international media access, global coverage has relied almost exclusively on Gaza-based Palestinian journalists, who have worked under extreme conditions—facing shortages of food, water, electricity, and internet, as well as daily threats to their lives. Since the latest assault began, more than 230 journalists have been killed, making this the deadliest conflict for the press ever recorded.
Calls for a humanitarian corridor to evacuate local media teams have intensified, as humanitarian experts warn of a “man-made famine” caused by the ongoing Israeli blockade. The death toll in Gaza is nearing 61,000, with over 150,000 injured, and starvation-related deaths—especially among children—continue to rise.
Despite mounting international pressure, Israel has so far resisted calls from human rights groups and media organizations to allow foreign reporters into Gaza. The “Freedom to Report” initiative aims to keep the spotlight on the urgent need for press freedom and accountability in one of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. (PW)
Source: PressTv