For more than two years, Israel has barred the foreign press from entering Gaza to report freely. This ban is unprecedented and an affront to press freedoms and the public’s right to information.

The Foreign Press Association has relentlessly lobbied Israeli officials, diplomats and international organizations to reverse this ban. They even petitioned Israel's Supreme Court. At every turn, Israel has responded with stalling tactics and vague security arguments along with a refusal to engage in dialogue.

This cannot go on.

More than 200 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli fire, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Others have been detained or forced to flee. Those who continue to report do so under impossible conditions. Their extraordinary work must be supported: we need more journalists in Gaza.

Journalists should not be the story. They should be covering the story. We are rising up for our right to be informed.

We, the undersigned, urge leaders around the world to act to protect Palestinian journalists and let the press in.

Israel must be compelled to lift this ban. Act now.

Picture: Jaber Jehad Badwan, Jan 29, 2025