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August 26, 2024 – Palestine/Israel/Europe –
Sixty international press freedom and human rights organizations issued a joint statement urging the European Union to take immediate action against Israel for what they described as systemic violations of media rights. The coalition, which includes the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Press Institute (IPI), Free Press Unlimited, and Human Rights Watch (HRW), called for the suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement and the imposition of targeted sanctions on Israeli officials involved in press freedom violations.
The groups highlighted an alarming pattern of violence, censorship, and intimidation since the onset of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in October 2023. According to the statement, over 100 Palestinian journalists have been killed during the conflict, along with several Israeli and Lebanese journalists, making it one of the deadliest periods for the media in recent history. The organizations accuse Israel of targeting journalists and media infrastructure, suppressing independent coverage, and using national security as a pretext to stifle dissent.
The letter also cited systematic harassment of Palestinian journalists, restrictions on foreign press access, and arbitrary detentions. In addition to physical violence, reporters have faced confiscation of equipment, denial of press credentials, and increasing censorship, including military review of content and limitations on mobile reporting.
The coalition urged the EU to invoke the human rights clause in the EU–Israel Association Agreement, which conditions cooperation on respect for democratic principles and fundamental freedoms. They argue that the EU’s failure to act would undermine its credibility on human rights and freedom of expression.
The appeal follows recent remarks by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who suggested member states consider sanctions in response to inflammatory rhetoric by Israeli officials and rising civilian casualties in Gaza. While some EU governments have expressed concern over Israel’s conduct, no coordinated action has yet been taken.
This latest call marks a growing international push to hold Israel accountable for its treatment of journalists and to ensure that press freedom is protected even in times of war. The organizations stress that the EU must respond with more than words if it is to uphold its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
Reference –
https://www.ictj.org/latest-news/press-freedom-groups-urge-eu-punish-israel-violating-media-rights
