Jeremy Bowen Accuses Israel of Blocking Journalists from Gaza
March 26, 2025
RTS Reinstates Gaza Journalism Award After Public Outcry
March 26, 2025
March 26, 2025 – USA/Palestine/Israel –
In January 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden publicly recognized the troubling number of journalists killed during the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, stating that “far too many” had lost their lives while covering the war. This admission came as the world closely watched the deteriorating situation for press freedom in the region, where reporters face extreme risks to report on the conflict.
Despite Biden’s acknowledgment, many press freedom advocates and human rights organizations criticized the U.S. government for its continued support of Israel and what they saw as insufficient measures to protect journalists on the ground. In early 2024, a coalition of groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Human Rights Watch, and Freedom House, sent a formal letter to President Biden urging immediate action to safeguard reporters and uphold the right to free press amidst the violence. These organizations emphasized that attacks on journalists threaten not only individuals but the global flow of information in conflict zones.
The situation escalated further in 2025 when U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce controversially placed blame on Hamas for the deaths of Palestinian journalists, including Hossam Shabat and Mohammed Mansour. This statement came despite evidence indicating that Israeli airstrikes were responsible for the journalists’ deaths. Critics argue that this response deflects accountability from Israel and undermines efforts to ensure justice and protection for press workers in Gaza.
Journalists in Gaza face extraordinary dangers, including being targeted directly in attacks. The death toll among media professionals in this conflict surpasses that of many previous wars, raising urgent concerns about the safety of reporters and the erosion of press freedom in violent conflict zones.
As international pressure mounts, calls continue for stronger protective measures and unbiased investigations into journalist casualties. The ongoing violence and political complexities highlight the fragile position of journalists striving to report truthfully amidst one of the world’s most dangerous and polarized conflicts.
Reference –
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/11/biden-israel-gaza-war-killing-reporters-press-freedom
