Military Reporters & Editors demands Israel provide journalists access to Gaza
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 — Military Reporters & Editors fully supports a Congressional call on the Biden administration to push Israel to allow “unimpeded access for U.S. and international journalists” covering the war in Gaza.
That demand was made Monday in a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken from U.S. Rep James P. McGovern (D-MA) and 64 colleagues.
“The restrictions on media reporting have created significant challenges in obtaining accurate, verifiable information from Gaza, leading to increased skepticism about the limited reports that do emerge,” the letter reads. “At a time when reliable information is more critical than ever, the restrictions on foreign reporting undermine the very foundation of press freedom and democratic accountability.”
All politics aside, as a non-partisan organization advocating on behalf of journalists, we fully support the sentiment of this letter. Access is a core issue for us. MRE was formed in 2002 out of concerns journalists would not gain access to the troops in the coming war in Iraq. The public has a right to know what is taking place in Gaza and the U.S. taxpayers have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent on U.S. weapons Israel is using.
Finding answers has been an onerous and deadly task.
As of October 21, 2024, “CPJ’s preliminary investigations showed at least 128 journalists and media workers were among the more than tens of thousands killed in Gaza, the West Bank, Israel, and Lebanon since the war began, making it the deadliest period for journalists since CPJ began gathering data in 1992,” the organization states.
In addition, “CPJ’s research has found multiple kinds of incidents of journalists being targeted while carrying out their work in Israel and the two Palestinian territories, Gaza and the West Bank,” according to CPJ. “These include 69 arrests, as well as numerous assaults, threats, cyberattacks, and censorship. As of October 21, CPJ’s records showed that 43 of these journalists were still under arrest.”
MRE was founded 22 years ago to push for journalists’ access to troops and conflict zones. This is especially critical now given the carnage in Gaza and the dangers and impediments faced by those who cover it.
Howard Altman, MRE President, on behalf of the Board of Directors
MRE | Military Reporters & Editors Mission
- Advance the public understanding of the military, national security, and homeland defense.
- Represent the interests of working journalists to the government and military.
- Assure journalists have access to places where the U.S. military and its allies operate.
- Provide resources, support. educational and networking opportunities for members, fostering excellence in journalism.
For more information, visit the MRE website at https://www.militaryreporters.org.