Foreign Press Association reiterates call for media access to Gaza
The Foreign Press Association (FPA), which represents hundreds of media workers, has called on Israel to allow foreign journalists entry into Gaza as the ceasefire is now in effect.
“With the halt in fighting, we renew our urgent call for Israel to open the borders immediately and allow international media free and independent access to the Gaza Strip,” it said.
“These demands have been repeatedly ignored, while our Palestinian colleagues have risked their lives to provide tireless and brave reporting from Gaza.”
The FPA has repeatedly asked for access to Gaza over the past two years, but Israel has denied any entry of foreign journalists to the besieged enclave. On October 23, Israel’s top court will hear the FPA’s petition demanding access, but the association said there was “no reason to wait that long”.
“Enough with the excuses and delay tactics. The restrictions on press freedom must come to an end.”
Thousands of Palestinians crowded into Gaza’s remaining hospitals
Mohammed Zaqout, director general of hospitals in Gaza, has addressed the state of the health sector after more than two years of Israeli bombardment.
Here are some of his translated remarks:
- About 1,700 medical personnel have been killed during Israel’s war on Gaza.
- Thousands of patients are seeking care at the limited hospitals still functioning in Gaza.
- Health workers cannot find the necessary medicine to treat cancer and diabetes patients, as well as pregnant women.
- Teams have requested the entry of essential medications, medical supplies, and materials for radiology departments; some may be arriving tomorrow.
Head of Gaza’s health system calls for specialised doctors, supply convoys
Munir al-Barsh, director-general of Gaza’s Health Ministry, has described the “major challenges” facing the destroyed healthcare system in the Strip.
Al-Barsh told Al Jazeera that a little girl died today because of a lack of medical supplies, as aid has yet to reach the war-battered Palestinian enclave.
“Continuous supply convoys and the entry of specialised doctors into the sector are required. It is necessary to provide drinking water and bring generators to hospitals. The world must act quickly to deliver aid and medical supplies,” al-Barsh said.
He added that 10,000 people remain missing throughout Gaza, with many bodies still under the rubble. Al-Barsh also called for support for civil defence crews in searching for unexploded ordnance left by the Israeli army.
