Media groups call on Israel to allow foreign reporters access to Gaza

 

The leaders of major media companies around the world are calling on Israel’s Government to lift a ban keeping foreign journalists from being able to independently enter and report from Gaza, a barrier that’s been in place since the war’s start in 2023 and continues even as a ceasefire has been in place for more than six months.

“Being on the ground is essential. It allows journalists to question official accounts on all sides, to speak directly with civilians and report back what they witness firsthand,” said the statement from the executives, released on Thursday.

 “That is why news organisations send their reporters into the field, often at great personal risk.”

The top editors of more than two dozen organisations said the Israeli  has so far not responded to their efforts to discuss the situation. They questioned the country’s rationales for why the restrictions are still in place.