Joint statement on behalf of 26 countries on foreign
media access to Gaza
In light of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, we,
the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition, urge
Israel to allow immediate independent foreign media access and
afford protection for journalists operating in Gaza.
Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting
the spotlight on the devastating reality of war. Access to
conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively. We
oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to
journalists during conflicts.
We also strongly condemn all violence directed against
journalists and media workers, especially the extremely high
number of fatalities, arrests and detentions. We call on the
Israeli authorities and all other parties to make every effort to
ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East
Jerusalem – local and foreign alike - can conduct their work
freely and safely. Deliberate targeting of journalists is
unacceptable. International humanitarian law offers protection to
civilian journalists during armed conflict. We call for all
attacks against media workers to be investigated and for those
responsible to be prosecuted in compliance with national and
international law.
We reiterate calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional
release of the remaining hostages, unhindered flow of
humanitarian aid and for a path towards a two-state solution,
long-term peace and security.
This statement has been signed by:
- Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sierra
Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands,
the United Kingdom and Ukraine
- For further information, please visit Home - Media Freedom
Coalition
