Call for Press Freedom: BBC and News Agencies Appeal to Israel for Gaza Access

Fri Oct 10 2025 19:42:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A new film by the BBC and leading news agencies advocates for the entry of international journalists into Gaza, highlighting the pressing need for unbiased reporting in conflict zones.

In a significant move to enhance journalistic integrity in conflict zones, the BBC along with Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, and Reuters have launched a short film urging Israel to allow foreign journalists access to Gaza. Narrated by veteran journalist David Dimbleby, the film stresses the importance of letting international reporters work alongside local journalists, who have been bearing the brunt of the ongoing crisis. The appeal comes in light of restrictions on press freedom that have limited coverage since the escalation of violence on October 7, 2023, mandating the need for reliable information sharing from the region.

The BBC and three international news agencies have released a short film calling on Israel to allow foreign journalists into Gaza.

The film, launched by the corporation with Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters, is narrated by veteran BBC journalist David Dimbleby.

He said: International journalists must now be allowed into Gaza to share the burden with the Palestinian reporters there so we can all bring the facts to the world.

Foreign journalists have been banned from entering Gaza independently since Israel launched its 2023 offensive following the Hamas 7 October attacks. A small number have been taken into the Strip by Israeli troops under controlled access.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has previously stated that to allow journalists to report safely in Gaza, the military accompanies them when in the battlefield.

The BBC has attempted to contact the Israeli foreign ministry and the IDF for comments on the matter.

Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News, emphasized the urgency of allowing international journalists into Gaza, saying it is essential for comprehensive reporting alongside local journalists.

The film premieres in New York at an event hosted by the Committee to Protect Journalists, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly and features historic footage from major events that underscore the critical role of journalists in conveying truth during crises.

In July, news organizations had expressed deep concern over the conditions faced by journalists working within Gaza. The ongoing conflict has led to numerous casualties among media personnel, with calls from 27 countries urging for immediate media access to the area and condemning any attacks on reporting staff.