Belgium urges Israel to allow independent foreign media into Gaza
Belgium has joined an international appeal calling on Israel to grant independent foreign media access to Gaza and to guarantee the safety of journalists working there. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the move on X.
The letter was issued by the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), a group of more than 50 countries advocating media freedom and journalist safety worldwide. It was signed by 27 countries, including Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the UK.
"Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war," the letter says. "Access to conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively. We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts."
It further calls on Israel and all other parties involved "to ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem – local and foreign alike – can conduct their work freely and safely. Deliberate targeting of journalists is unacceptable."
The MFC also reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the remaining hostages, unimpeded humanitarian aid and progress towards a two-state solution.
On Wednesday, Belgium’s ministry of Foreign Affairs separately urged Israel to halt its offensive on Gaza City, which began that evening.
A journalist runs toward the scene of an explosion following an Israeli strike that reportedly targeted a school in the Zeitoun district on the outskirts of Gaza City, September, 2024 © PHOTO OMAR AL-QATTAA / AFP
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