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January 25, 2026 – Palestine –
The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has issued a public statement warning that the ongoing ban on the independent entry of international journalists into the Gaza Strip is contributing to widespread disinformation and polarized narratives, while preventing accurate reporting on the humanitarian crisis on the ground.
Speaking on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Lazzarini emphasized that more than 230 journalists have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the start of the conflict, and that the enclave has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists and humanitarian workers. He noted that international media have been prohibited from entering Gaza independently throughout the war, which he argued undermines media freedom and transparency.
According to Lazzarini, restricting access to Gaza for foreign journalists not only limits the ability of media organizations to report firsthand on conditions there but also encourages misinformation campaigns that distort the reality of daily life for civilians and humanitarian workers. He stressed the need for freedom of media access and underscored that protecting press freedom and the safety of journalists is essential under international humanitarian law.
Lazzarini’s remarks align with ongoing concerns among international rights and press freedom organizations that limiting independent reporting in conflict zones makes it difficult to verify events and opens space for competing narratives not grounded in direct observation. The UNRWA chief highlighted that the ban on journalistic access contributes to the spread of “polarized narratives” and hampers public understanding of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
He called for urgent action to ensure journalists and humanitarian workers can perform their duties safely and without restriction, emphasizing that respect for media freedom is integral to accountability in times of conflict. The statement from UNRWA adds to a broader debate on the role of independent reporting in war zones and the challenges posed when access is restricted or denied.
This development underscores international concerns over reduced media presence in Gaza and the implications for global awareness of the humanitarian and security situation within the enclave.
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