Watchdog ‘shocked’ by Hamas ban on journalists talking to Israelis
Reporters Without Borders say decision threatens freedom of press, ‘will create problems’ for Palestinian journalists
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAaron Kalman is a former writer and breaking news editor for the Times of Israel
An international watchdog formed to safeguard the freedom of the press said it was “shocked to learn” Hamas’s new rule banning Palestinian reporters and media outlets from cooperating with their Israeli counterparts.
“This is the first time the Palestinian authorities have issued such a ban, which poses a serious threat to freedom of information,” Reporters Without Borders said in a statement last week, noting the decision “will also create problems” for the Palestinians within Gaza who work for Israeli media outlets.
The press watchdog urged “the Hamas government to reconsider this order.”
In late December, the Gaza cabinet adopted a decision to ban Palestinian journalists from working “with all Zionist media and journalists.” The announcement cited Israeli “hostility” as a reason for the order.
The Times of Israel Community.