Freedom of expression is facing unprecedented threats in Gaza, with journalists being specifically targeted amid the ongoing conflict, according to a United Nations expert. Irene Khan, the UN independent investigator on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, expressed grave concerns over the situation in Gaza and the repercussions for Palestinian supporters in various countries during a statement made on Friday.
Khan highlighted alarming trends such as the targeting of the media, with numerous journalists facing arbitrary detention and violence in the war-torn territory. She remarked on the implications of measures like the banning of Al Jazeera, which, along with heightened censorship within Israel and the occupied territories, appears to represent a systematic attempt by Israeli authorities to silence critical journalism and obstruct the documentation of potential international crimes.
“Attacks on the media represent an attack on the right to information for people worldwide who want to know what is happening in Gaza,” Khan stated. She criticized the overarching strategies employed to suppress dissent and limit the dissemination of information that could counter the dominant narratives about the conflict.
The UN expert also denounced the discrimination and double standards evident in the restrictions on pro-Palestinian protests and speech across the globe. Citing recent bans in Germany and other European nations, as well as the suppression of protests on U.S. college campuses, Khan noted that Palestinian national symbols and slogans have been prohibited and even criminalized in some jurisdictions.
“While social media platforms have provided a vital means of communication to and from Gaza, they have also seen a significant increase in disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech targeting Arabs, Jews, Israelis, and Palestinians alike,” Khan elaborated. She emphasized that the military actions by Israel in Gaza and its longstanding occupation of Palestinian territories remain subjects of public interest, warranting scrutiny and criticism.
In her report on the global crisis of freedom of expression resulting from the Gaza conflict, presented to the UN General Assembly’s human rights committee, Khan stated that Israel dismissed her findings. “Israel explained its laws and maintained that the conflict in Gaza is not of global significance, suggesting my mandate should not engage with it,” she noted. The Israeli mission to the UN did not provide comments on Khan’s press briefing.
The conflict escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants conducted surprise attacks in southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, primarily among civilians, and the abduction of around 250 individuals, of whom roughly 100 remain hostages. In retaliation, Israel’s military offensive has reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 42,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but asserts that the majority of casualties are women and children.
More Read
Khan, a former secretary-general of Amnesty International, stated, “No conflict in recent history has posed such a serious threat to freedom of expression or reached beyond its borders like the situation in Gaza.” She stressed that the international community must take immediate action to enhance the protection of journalists, considering them essential civilian workers.
“Journalism should be viewed as essential as humanitarian work,” she said, advocating for clearer guidelines regarding access for international media representatives to conflict zones. She noted that the ongoing denial of access to international journalists by Israel is unacceptable.
In a broader context, Khan questioned the silence of nations that tout themselves as champions of media freedom in light of the unprecedented attacks on journalists in Gaza and the West Bank. “My main message is that what is happening in Gaza sends signals around the world, suggesting that it is permissible to perpetrate such acts because of the perceived impunity enjoyed by Israel,” she warned.
Khan’s remarks underscore the urgent need for the international community to address the escalating threats to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, where the situation has become increasingly dire.
