Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Press Israeli counterparts to restore journalist access and lift media bans in Gaza.
Conclusion
The Committee condemns the killing of over 186 Palestinian journalists in Gaza and reiterates that Israel has a responsibility not to target journalists, who are protected under international law. While Israel has suggested that many of these may have been Hamas supporters, reporters from a wide range of reputable news organisations including Reuters, AFP and the BBC, have been denied entry into Gaza. Reporters Without Borders and over 200 press freedom advocacy groups have called for foreign journalists be granted immediate, independent and unrestricted access to the Gaza Strip. Ministers and diplomats must press their Israeli counterparts to restore access for journalists to report from Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, and lift the ban on media outlets that the Israeli Government does not agree with. (Recommendation, Paragraph 33) A Palestinian State
Government Response Summary
The government agrees, stating it urges Israel to allow immediate independent foreign media access and has repeatedly called on Israeli authorities to ensure media workers can operate freely and safely, and condemns violence against journalists.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government agrees with this recommendation. We 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 have repeatedly called 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. A Palestinian State Recommendation 7