UK broadcast journalists demand open access to Gaza

More than 50 UK-based broadcast journalists have sent an open letter to the Israeli and Egyptian embassies calling for “free and unfettered access” to Gaza for foreign media, British media reports.

The letter, from 55 correspondents and presenters from the main broadcasting outlets based in the UK, appeals for better protection for journalists already reporting in the territory.

“Almost five months into the war in Gaza, foreign reporters are still being denied access to the territory, outside of the rare and escorted trips with the Israeli military,” says the letter, quoted by multiple local media outlets.

“We urge the Governments of Israel and Egypt to allow free and unfettered access to Gaza for all foreign media.”

It calls on Israel to openly state its permission for international journalists to operate in Gaza and for the Egyptian authorities to allow international journalists access to the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza.

Journalists who signed the letter include Alex Crawford from Sky News, Jeremy Bowen from the BBC and Christiane Amanpour from CNN.

Although some journalists have been invited to briefly “embed” with the Israel Defense Forces for escorted tours inside Gaza, they have been prohibited from talking to any of the Palestinians there.

Israel’s Supreme Court on January 9 rejected a request from international media for free access to Gaza, citing safety concerns.