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November 24, 2024 – Palestine/Israel –
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) has sharply criticized Israeli authorities for barring both Arab and foreign journalists from covering events in Gaza, denouncing it as a deliberate tactic to suppress media access amid the ongoing military offensive. According to a statement published by the Palestinian news agency WAFA on December 4, 2024, the PJS accused the Israeli occupation of engaging in a “systematic policy” designed to prevent accurate reporting and hinder global understanding of the situation on the ground.
Citing reports from journalists stationed near the Gaza Strip, the PJS accused Israeli forces of denying access at checkpoints and entry points, failing to provide permits for press coverage, and creating a climate of intimidation and restrictions. These measures reportedly apply to both Palestinian journalists and their Arab or international counterparts, undermining efforts to report on humanitarian conditions and civilian suffering.
The Syndicate’s statement emphasized that Israel’s actions violate international legal norms governing press freedom and the protection of journalists in conflict zones. It highlighted provisions within international humanitarian law that ensure uninterrupted access and safety for media professionals reporting from areas affected by conflict. The PJS accused Israeli authorities of acting with “complete disregard for the norms of international law” and asserted that these restrictions are part of a broader campaign to manipulate public perception and conceal the humanitarian toll of the Gaza offensive.
In response to these developments, the PJS called on global media organizations, human rights groups, and press freedom advocates to take decisive action. Urging them to press Israel to lift barriers and ensure journalists’ safety, the Syndicate emphasized that transparency in news coverage is critical for global accountability and for securing protection for civilians trapped in the conflict zone.
The PJS also committed to documenting violations against journalists—from access denial and arrests to violence—calling on international organizations like UNESCO, the International Federation of Journalists, and the Committee to Protect Journalists to intervene and exert pressure.
Fresh media coverage from Gaza remains vital as the humanitarian crisis deepens, underscoring the essential role of independent reporting in conflict zones. The PJS’s appeal highlights the urgent need for unrestricted journalistic access to ensure accurate, timely, and accountable documentation of events impacting civilian lives in Gaza.
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