International Media Groups Sound Alarm Over Starvation Threat to Journalists in Gaza, Urge Israeli Access
Leading international news organizations are voicing urgent concerns over the dire conditions faced by journalists in the Gaza Strip, stating that many are on the brink of starvation alongside the wider population.
Agence France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press (AP), Reuters, and the BBC issued a joint statement this week, urging Israeli authorities to allow independent journalists free access into and out of Gaza and to ensure sufficient food supplies reach the beleaguered territory, according to Dawn E-Paper.
The call comes amidst an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where UN agencies warn of widespread famine-like conditions impacting hundreds of thousands. Over 100 aid organizations recently accused Israel of obstructing aid access, leading to “mass starvation.” Local journalists, who serve as the world’s primary “eyes and ears” due to Israel’s severe restrictions on foreign media entry, are now enduring the same severe deprivations as the communities they cover. Many report extreme difficulty in obtaining food, with prices soaring for scarce basic necessities.
The perilous environment for journalists in Gaza has already resulted in an unprecedented death toll. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, the number of journalists killed since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, has risen to 232 as of July 25, 2025. Media watchdog groups like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have also consistently highlighted the extreme risks, with CPJ accusing Israel of “starving Gazan journalists into silence” and emphasizing their critical role as frontline witnesses. Al Jazeera, which has had five of its reporters killed in the enclave, has similarly called for global action to protect journalists, alleging deliberate targeting.
The current situation is exacerbated by continuous Israeli military operations and a strict blockade that has largely sealed off Gaza, making independent reporting incredibly challenging and dangerous. Despite some efforts by agencies like AFP to evacuate staff, the vast majority of local journalists continue to report from within the besieged strip, facing constant threats of violence, displacement, and now, starvation.
