On January 24, 17 press freedom partner organizations urged Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, to advocate for press freedom during the war between Israel and Gaza. They highlighted the unprecedented number of journalists killed, underscoring the profound impact on public reporting of the conflict. CPJ data reveals that more journalists were killed in the first 10 weeks of this war than in any other country in a single year.
Three months later, EU High Representative Josep Borrell spoke out on the protection of journalists in the war in Gaza, urging all EU member states to advocate for respect for international law and ensure the safety of journalists. Borrell expressed dismay at the unprecedented number of journalists killed in the conflict and stressed the crucial role of journalists in the fight against disinformation.
“Journalists are civilians, and their voices are crucial to keeping disinformation at bay and citizens informed,” Borrell said during a debate on the EU’s response to the Israeli Defense Forces’ killing of aid workers, journalists, and other civilians in Gaza. He also expressed concern about new Israeli laws restricting foreign media operations and the lack of access to Gaza for international journalists.
You can read Josep Borrell’s whole speech here.