Delegation of PEN Norway calls for immediate and unhindered access for international journalists to Gaza during their meeting to Israel’s Chargé d’affaires
On October 13, a delegation of PEN Norway met with Israel’s Chargé d’affaires in Oslo, Eytan Halon, at the Israeli Embassy to demand that international journalists be granted immediate access to Gaza in uncertain period following the ceasefire agreement.
The PEN Norway delegation, consisting of Chair Ann-Magrit Austenå and journalists Thomas Spence and Sidsel Wold from PEN’s Press Freedom Committee, underlined the Israeli government’s responsibility for the unprecedented number of journalists and media workers killed during the war in Gaza.
According to Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 197 journalists and media workers have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, the highest number ever recorded in a single conflict.
PEN Norway told the Israeli mission that freedom of the press is a cornerstone of accountability and a prerequisite for truth.
In the aftermath of the devastating war, PEN Norway emphasized that it is essential for journalists and media workers to be allowed to operate freely and safely
In the aftermath of the devastating war, PEN Norway emphasized that it is essential for journalists and media workers to be allowed to operate freely and safely, to document the realities on the ground for both the international community and the Israeli public.
“My hope is that we are now entering better days with the possibility of independent reports from Gaza,” Chargé d’affaires
“My hope is that we are now entering better days with the possibility of independent reports from Gaza,” said Eytan Halon, Chargé d’affaires at the Israeli Embassy. He emphasized Israel’s respect for a free and independent press and rejected allegations that Israeli forces have deliberately targeted journalists.
PEN Norway urges the Israeli government to grant unhindered access to Gaza for all international and independent journalists, to uphold freedom of the press without delay, and to ensure fully transparent and independent investigations into all killings of journalists and media workers during the conflict. The world cannot wait.
PEN Norway also reiterates that no responsibility for Israel’s military actions should be placed on members of the Jewish community in any country, a position we have consistently defended.
On 15 October, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Israel now recognizes the difficulty of continuing to prevent foreign journalists from entering Gaza:
“This was in light of the growing demand from foreign media outlets on the subject, and in light of the understanding in Israel that they will have difficulty continuing to prevent foreign journalists from covering the situation in the Gaza Strip. A source familiar with the details said that the Foreign Ministry supports the entry of journalists, and that it appears that Israel intends to allow this.”
Freedom of expression and independent reporting are inalienable human rights. These rights are vital to justice, peace, and the prevention of further suffering. PEN Norway stands with journalists and urges all authorities to uphold these principles now.
Photo: PEN Norway