International community must end Israel’s media blackout on Gaza, protect journalists, ensure access to press equipment

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor is calling for urgent international action to end the media blackout in the Gaza Strip, protect journalists, and ensure access to essential press equipment. The organization highlights that Palestinian journalists face unprecedented dangers, with over 262 killed since October 7, 2023, and hundreds more injured or arrested, marking the highest toll in any contemporary conflict. Israeli authorities are accused of blocking the entry of protective gear and professional equipment, limiting journalists' ability to work safely and independently, and impeding the documentation of international law violations. The report states, "Barring foreign journalists and independent international media from entering Gaza during this time, along with targeting Palestinian journalists, hampers independent international oversight of Israel’s ongoing crimes in the Gaza Strip." The Euro-Med Monitor urges concerned states and international organizations to hold Israel accountable under international law, support investigations, and ensure UN bodies and fact-finding mechanisms have access to Gaza to observe conditions and record violations.