nearly two weeks after the killing of 6 media workers in Gaza – including Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif – sparked international outrage and global protests, there are renewed calls for international media to be able to access Gaza, as Israel ramps up it’s siege of the ravaged city.
Statements calling for greater media access, protections for journalists have come from 27 countries, via the Media Freedom Coalition, US lawmakers, journalists and advocacy coalitions, and outlined in protests across Israel and the world.
Journalism is not a crime
More than 200 journalists and media workers have been killed, but confirmation that Al-Sharif had been targeted by the IDF, killing five other Al-Jazeera staff in the process, ignited frustration and anger at Israel’s impunity.
Yet another Palestinian journalist was killed in Gaza this week: freelance journalist Islam Al-koumi died in a military strike on his home on Monday, cementing this conflict as the deadliest ever recorded for journalists.
The Media Freedom Coalition statement followed a stark message from Norway’s press delivered last week to foreign affairs minister espen Barth Eide, urging the government to “use all political and diplomatic means” to pressure Israel to safeguard journalists and ensure press freedom in Gaza.
Noting Norway’s ranking at the top of the Press Freedom Index by (RSF), the organisation believes that: “Norwegian authorities have a special obligation to stand up for press freedom globally” and contends: “We cannot allow Israel to systematically obstruct journalists and the global community’s right to data.”
What can be done: a call for solidarity – and clarity
Their appeal comes as global
Norway Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Journalists in Gaza
Norway must use all political and diplomatic tools to urge Israel to promptly protect journalists and ensure the media can report from the war in Gaza. Local journalists who want to leave should be allowed to, and international media must be granted access.
As the war began, local journalists have been the world’s eyes and ears.They’ve risked their lives to deliver information from within Gaza, while international media have faced restrictions for nearly two years.
The death toll among journalists and media workers in Gaza is devastating. With over 200 killed, there are fewer and fewer people left to do this critical work for the global community.
Recent reports indicate local journalists are too weak to work due to a lack of food and clean water. On Sunday evening,news emerged that Israeli authorities killed five more journalists in a targeted attack.