World Press Freedom Canada endorses the public appeal issued by Reporters Without Board (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) demanding that foreign journalists be granted unrestricted access to the Gaza Strip.

As war in the Middle East widens, World Press Freedom Canada urges heads of governments gathering at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alta., to reaffirm that journalists in conflict zones are civilians who must not be targeted – indeed must be protected – under international law. 

The joint RSF/CPJ appeal calls for the full protection of journalists, nearly 200 of whom have been killed by the Israeli Defense Force over the past 20 months, including at least 45 slain while pursuing their work. Journalists have also been threatened and intimidated by Hamas in Gaza, as documented by Reporters Without Borders.

“Palestinian journalists who continue reporting — the only witnesses on the ground — are facing unbearable conditions, including forced displacement, famine, and constant threats to their lives,” the appeal notes.

The joint statement has garnered more than 200 signatures from media organization and their executives from around the world, including from The Globe and Mail, the BBC and CNN.

We add our voice to those who urged Israel to grant immediate, independent and unrestricted access to journalists in the Gaza Strip.