‘Targeting or threatening members of the press is unacceptable,’ say US senators
A group of 17 US senators has appealed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to pressure Israel to let journalists access Gaza and ensure they are protected.
“The United States must make it clear to Israel that banning and censoring media organisations and targeting or threatening members of the press is unacceptable and must stop,” the Democratic senators said in a statement. “We urge you to press the Israeli government to protect journalists in Gaza and allow international media to access the territory.”
Last week, an Israeli strike killed four Al Jazeera journalists, including correspondent Anas al-Sharif, as well as two freelance journalists, sparking international outcry.
The letter condemned the attack, writing: “Absent a compelling explanation of the military objective for this attack, it appears Israel is publicly admitting to targeting and killing journalists who have shown the world the scale of suffering in Gaza, which would be a violation of international law.”
Among the signatories were Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine and 13 other Democratic senators, as well as independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
Media Freedom Coalition demands Israel ‘allow immediate foreign media access’ into Gaza
The Media Freedom Coalition, a group of more than 50 countries partnered to defend press freedom and the safety of journalists, has issued a statement on the situation in Gaza.
The statement calls on 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,” said the statement, signed by numerous partner members, including Australia, Austria, Germany, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands and the UK. “Access to conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively.”
It said the signatories also “strongly condemn all violence directed against journalists and media workers, especially the extremely high number of fatalities, arrests and detentions”.
Since the war in Gaza began, Israel has barred foreign reporters from accessing the Strip, unless while being escorted by the military.
Would it make a difference? There is plenty footage yet Western media ignores it anyway.
