Amidst the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, states that are members of the Media Freedom Coalition have demanded that Israel immediately allow independent foreign media access to the region and ensure the safety of journalists.
The editorial office reports that the joint statement emphasizes the important role journalists and media workers play in covering the horrific reality of the war. It is stated that restricting access to conflict zones and impeding media is unacceptable.
The statement strongly condemned violence against journalists, especially numerous fatalities, arrests, and detentions. Israeli authorities and other parties were urged to create conditions for the free and safe operation of local and foreign media workers operating in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. It was emphasized that deliberately targeting journalists is unacceptable, and it was recalled that international humanitarian law protects civilian journalists during armed conflicts. A call was also made for attacks to be investigated and for those responsible to be prosecuted in accordance with national and international laws.
The document also reiterated the demand for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the remaining hostages, unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and opening the path to long-term peace and security based on a two-state solution.
Countries that signed the statement: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Sevinc Kərimova