At the southern tip of Gaza’s border with Israel lies a conflict zone. Dusty paths cut through a desolate desert near the Egyptian border. Israeli soldiers at the checkpoint appear disinterested, cautioning against capturing their images. A convoy of humvees, packed with journalists from various countries, all clad in protective gear, is transported to a parking area around 200 meters away.
For two years, the sole method for international journalists to enter Gaza under Israeli military supervision remains unchanged. Despite numerous requests from media outlets, including CBC News, for increased access, none have been granted. However, on this particular day, in response to global criticism, Israel aims to clarify why aid might not be reaching starving Palestinians in Gaza.
A spokesperson for COGAT, Israel’s aid distribution agency, who opted to remain anonymous, stated that the delay in aid delivery was due to bureaucratic hurdles imposed by Israel on imports and inadequate security along the patrolled roads within Gaza. The spokesperson emphasized that Israel allows nearly 300 truckloads of aid daily but highlighted the delays in distribution by aid organizations.
A significant quantity of food supplies, including rice, corn, and canned fish, designated for humanitarian agencies like UNICEF, Red Cross, and World Food Program, sits idle in the scorching sun at the parking lot. The United Nations attributes the delays to Israeli restrictions and security concerns, hampering timely aid distribution.
Access for independent journalists remains a challenge as Israel deems Gaza too unsafe for unrestricted media coverage, citing security risks. The absence of international reporters has raised questions about the authenticity of reports on widespread starvation and casualties in Gaza. While UN agencies and NGOs raise alarms, Israel refutes these claims, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissing them as baseless accusations.
Local journalists have assumed the role of primary information sources for major media outlets, witnessing and reporting on the dire conditions in Gaza. Despite facing personal hardships, journalists like Ghada Al-Kurd strive to shed light on the crisis, reflecting the struggles of the local population.
The UN Human Rights Office decries the high toll on journalists in Gaza, with at least 247 fatalities since October 7, 2023, labeling it as the deadliest conflict for journalists in nearly three decades. Israeli authorities have been accused of targeting journalists, alleging ties to Hamas without substantial evidence, intimidating them into silence.
Israel’s media portrayal of events in Gaza during the conflict has been selective, often downplaying civilian casualties and emphasizing official narratives. This approach aligns with the preferences of a majority of Israelis, as noted in a recent poll, indicating a lack of interest in broader coverage of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
The Israeli media landscape has been criticized for its nationalist stance post-conflict onset, opting to project local pride and comfort to the public rather than uncomfortable realities. Consequently, global reactions and condemnation towards Israel’s actions have left many Israelis bewildered and disconnected from the international outrage.