The International Press Freedom Coalition (IPFC) issues this urgent appeal calling on all relevant parties, particularly the Israeli authorities and de facto authorities in the Gaza Strip, to guarantee immediate, safe, and unrestricted access for foreign journalists and international media organizations to the Gaza Strip.
For an extended period, foreign press coverage from Gaza has been severely restricted, impeded, or outright denied. These limitations have obstructed the world’s ability to receive accurate, independent, and real-time reporting on the humanitarian situation, civilian casualties, and the broader socio-political conditions affecting over two million Palestinians living in one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
The right to information is a cornerstone of democratic societies and international human rights law. The suppression of media access constitutes a violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), both of which affirm the right to seek, receive, and impart information.
Background:
Since the onset of heightened hostilities in October 2023, the flow of information from Gaza has been critically constrained. The Israeli government has maintained strict control over border crossings, including Erez and Kerem Shalom, routinely denying entry to foreign journalists despite valid accreditation and safety protocols. Additionally, communication blackouts, internet disruptions, and damage to media infrastructure have further hindered both local and international reporting.
While Palestinian journalists in Gaza continue to report under extremely dangerous conditions—facing bombardment, surveillance, and threats—foreign media representatives have been systematically excluded. This lack of external verification raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and the potential for misinformation.
Key Concerns:
Violation of Press Freedom: Denying foreign journalists access to Gaza constitutes a breach of international press freedom standards. Independent media play a vital role in documenting human rights abuses, monitoring conflict dynamics, and informing global public opinion.
Humanitarian Accountability: Without independent media presence, the scale of humanitarian suffering—such as shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and shelter—cannot be fully verified or communicated to the international community, delaying or weakening humanitarian responses.
Risk of Misinformation: Information vacuums are often filled with speculation, propaganda, and unverified reports. Allowing credible foreign journalists into Gaza would help ensure accurate, balanced, and fact-based reporting.
Safety of Local Journalists: Palestinian journalists in Gaza have borne the brunt of reporting under siege, with dozens killed, injured, or detained. International media presence can provide solidarity, amplify local voices, and increase scrutiny on attacks against press personnel.
International Legal Framework:
- Article 19, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Guarantees the right to freedom of expression and access to information.
- Article 19, ICCPR: Affirms the right to seek and impart information regardless of frontiers.
- Fourth Geneva Convention (1949): Requires occupying powers to ensure the humane treatment of civilians and uphold their fundamental rights, including access to information.
- UN Security Council Resolution 2222 (2015): Stresses the protection of journalists in conflict zones and calls for unhindered access for media.
Demands:
The IPFC calls upon:
- The Government of Israel to immediately lift restrictions on foreign journalists seeking entry into the Gaza Strip through official crossings, under safe and dignified conditions.
- All parties to the conflict to respect and protect the safety and operational independence of all journalists, whether local or international.
- The United Nations, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UNESCO, to actively monitor media access and advocate for the right to report.
- International diplomatic actors, including the European Union, the United States, and Arab states, to exert diplomatic pressure to ensure transparency and media freedom in Gaza.
Conclusion:
Transparency is not a privilege—it is a necessity in times of crisis. The world has a right to see, hear, and understand what is happening in Gaza. By allowing foreign press access, parties involved in the conflict can demonstrate a commitment to accountability, human rights, and peace.
Silence is not neutrality. Denial of access is not security. It is censorship.
We urge all stakeholders to act now to open the gates to truth.
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