The United Kingdom has joined 26 other countries in a coordinated demand for Israel to immediately grant international journalists access to Gaza, citing the “unfolding humanitarian catastrophe” in the war-torn territory. The statement, issued by the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) — an advocacy group the UK helped establish — calls on Israel to end its blockade on foreign media entry and to protect journalists operating in the conflict zone.
Signatories include Germany, Australia, and Ukraine. The statement condemns violence against journalists, noting that at least 192 media workers have been killed since the war began, making it the deadliest period for journalists since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) started recording data in 1992. The CPJ is also investigating 130 additional cases of alleged killings, arrests, and injuries.
The MFC statement highlights the essential role of journalists in reporting on conflict and insists that “deliberate targeting of journalists is unacceptable.” It demands investigations into all attacks on media workers and prosecution of those responsible under national and international law. The coalition also reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of Israeli hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery.
The appeal follows earlier pleas from major news organisations, including the BBC, Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, and Reuters, which expressed “desperately concerned” about journalists in Gaza facing starvation. Last month’s outcry intensified after an Israeli airstrike killed four Al Jazeera journalists, two freelancers, and a seventh person, prompting UN condemnation.
