News AFP, AP, Reuters and BBC news organizations reached Thursday (24.07.2025) a joint appeal to Israel allow journalists to freely circulate inside and outside its lane Gauzeafter 21 months of war.
They emphasize that there is an urgent need to allow Israel to enter the entry of basic goods, in sufficient quantities, for the civilian population and for the media professionals in Gaza.
“Journalists have to face various deprivations and difficulties in the war zone. We are very concerned that the famine is now threatening their survival, “they said in a joint statement.
Reuters, AFP, AP and BBC News issued the following joint statement on July 24, 2025: https://t.co/TCyhA6vuMd pic.twitter.com/qkYFqfNMoG
— Reuters Press Team (@ReutersPR) July 24, 2025
‘Are the eyes and ears of the world’
The four organizations are deeply concerned about the condition of their correspondents, who are increasingly difficult to meet the basic nutritional needs of themselves and their families.
“These independent journalists were the eyes and ears of the world in the field in Gaza. They now face the same dramatic conditions as the populations they cover, “the statement said.
In recent days, the testimonies of journalists have been increasing that speak of extreme hunger, lack of drinking water and intense physical and mental exhaustion. Some are forced to reduce the war coverage, which began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel.
Serious impacts from Israeli blockade
After besieging Gaza in the fall of 2023, Israel imposed a complete exclusion in March, which relaxed little in late May. This exclusion has caused serious deficiencies in food, medicines and fuel.
Israel accuses Hamas, for its part, of exploiting humanitarian aid, either by selling it at high prices or preventing it from distributing it.
On May 7, NGO journalists without borders (RSF) said nearly 200 journalists have been killed by Israeli forces since the beginning of the war, of which at least 44 were working.
The Independent Organization of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), based in the US, also called on Israel to stop starving journalists and the civilian population in Gaza.
“People have to act now: to protect, give them food, to allow them to restore their health while other journalists arrive to help them,” said Sarah Kairat, a CPJ regional director.
By the end of 2023, the only journalists who have managed to enter the Gaza Strip are integrated into Israeli forces, with their reports being subject to military censorship.