Israel should allow media into Gaza to report on war, UN agency says

The United Nations agency entrusted with defending the freedom of the press, condemning the fatal wounding of a journalist on the first day of the Israeli offensive against Gaza, today called on Israel to allow local and international media professionals to report on events in the area.

UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura cited UN resolutions forbidding attacks on journalists and media installations and calling on Member States to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of freedom of the press and freedom of information.

He deployed the killing of Basel Faraj, a cameraman for the Algerian TV network ENTV and for the Palestine Broadcast Production Company, who died on 6 January from wounds sustained during an Israeli air strike on 27 December.

“Basel Faraj has paid for his dedication to his profession with his life,” he said in a statement, highlighting the importance of respecting the right of journalists to exercise their professional duties and keep the world informed about what is taking place in Gaza.

Last week UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Kiyo Akasaka called on Israel to ensure immediate access for international media into Gaza, stressing the need for “full and independent” coverage of events there.

“Access to objective and factual information is of vital importance at all times, and plays a particularly important role in emergency situations,” he said in a letter to Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gabriela Shalev.