On Friday, September 26, 2025, Canada, alongside 20 other nations, issued a powerful joint statement advocating for the protection of journalists operating in the Gaza Strip and pressing Israel to grant foreign media access to the conflict-ridden enclave. This collective action underscores growing international concern over the safety of journalists and the critical role of press freedom in conflict zones. The statement, released by Global Affairs Canada, was endorsed by a diverse group of countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This coalition represents a broad cross-section of global voices united in their call for safeguarding journalists and ensuring access to information in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
The statement emerged from a high-profile event held on September 24, 2025, during the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Organized by France in collaboration with Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a leading international organization dedicated to defending press freedom, the event focused on the dire situation faced by journalists in Gaza. The discussions highlighted the unprecedented dangers confronting media workers in the region, including targeted violence, restricted access, and the broader implications for global awareness of the ongoing conflict. At the conclusion of the event, the 21 nations formalized their commitment to addressing these challenges through the joint statement, which was subsequently released to the public.
Context of the Statement: A Focus on Gaza’s Media Crisis
The Gaza Strip has been at the heart of a devastating conflict since October 7, 2023, when hostilities between Israel and Palestinian groups escalated dramatically. The ensuing Israeli military operations, characterized by intense airstrikes and ground assaults, have resulted in catastrophic loss of life and widespread destruction. According to various reports, more than 65,500 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since the conflict’s onset. The region has been reduced to a humanitarian crisis zone, with large swaths of infrastructure destroyed, basic necessities scarce, and the population grappling with famine-like conditions.
Amid this chaos, journalists have faced extraordinary risks while attempting to document the realities on the ground. Media watchdogs, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have reported that over 245 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, marking an alarming toll that underscores the perilous environment for press professionals. These figures include both local Palestinian journalists and, in some cases, international correspondents, though the majority of casualties are Gaza-based reporters who have been working under extreme conditions to provide firsthand accounts of the conflict.
The joint statement deliberately avoids directly naming Israel in its tribute to the fallen journalists, instead offering a general acknowledgment: “We pay tribute to the journalists killed and injured in Gaza while carrying out their work.” This diplomatic phrasing reflects the delicate balance of addressing human rights concerns while navigating the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Nonetheless, the statement is unequivocal in its demand for the protection of journalists, emphasizing that their safety must be guaranteed in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Core Demands: Journalist Safety and Media Access
At the heart of the joint statement are two primary demands directed at the Israeli authorities. First, the coalition calls for the safe passage of journalists who wish to leave the Gaza Strip, recognizing the life-threatening conditions they face. Second, the statement urges Israel to allow independent foreign media to access Gaza, a move that would enable broader and more transparent reporting on the situation. These demands reflect a broader commitment to upholding press freedom as a cornerstone of democratic societies and ensuring that the international community has access to reliable information about the conflict.
The call for safe passage addresses the immediate dangers faced by journalists trapped in Gaza, where ongoing military operations, lack of basic resources, and restricted movement create a uniquely hostile environment. Local journalists, in particular, have faced significant challenges, including targeted attacks, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on their ability to move freely within the region. The statement’s emphasis on allowing journalists to leave Gaza highlights the need to protect their physical safety and provide them with the option to seek refuge if necessary.
The second demand—access for independent foreign media—tackles a longstanding issue in the Gaza conflict: the limited presence of international journalists in the region. Israel has imposed strict controls on media access to Gaza, citing security concerns, which has resulted in a reliance on local reporters and limited external coverage. This restriction has been criticized by press freedom advocates, who argue that it hampers the ability of the global media to verify information, document human rights abuses, and provide a balanced perspective on the conflict. By calling for open access, the 21 nations aim to foster greater transparency and accountability in the reporting of events in Gaza.
The Role of International Humanitarian Law
The joint statement explicitly invokes international humanitarian law (IHL) as the legal framework for protecting journalists in conflict zones. Under IHL, journalists are considered civilians and are entitled to protection from violence, provided they are not directly participating in hostilities. This principle is enshrined in instruments such as the Geneva Conventions, which mandate that parties to a conflict must respect and protect civilians, including those engaged in journalistic work. The statement’s reaffirmation of this obligation serves as a reminder to all parties involved in the Gaza conflict that targeting or endangering journalists constitutes a violation of international law.
The reference to IHL also carries broader implications for the conduct of the conflict. By emphasizing the need to protect journalists, the coalition implicitly calls attention to the broader issue of civilian casualties and the devastating impact of the war on Gaza’s population. The statement’s focus on journalists as a protected group underscores the importance of their role in documenting human rights violations, war crimes, and other atrocities, which can serve as critical evidence for international accountability mechanisms.
The Broader Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
To fully understand the significance of the joint statement, it is essential to situate it within the broader context of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since October 2023, the Israeli military campaign has caused unprecedented destruction, leveling entire neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, and media offices. The death toll, which exceeds 65,500 according to various estimates, includes a disproportionate number of women and children, raising concerns about the indiscriminate nature of the violence. The blockade imposed on Gaza has exacerbated the crisis, restricting access to food, water, medical supplies, and other essentials, leading to widespread famine and disease.
Journalists have played a critical role in bringing these realities to the world’s attention, often at great personal risk. Local reporters, working for outlets such as Al Jazeera, Reuters, and independent Palestinian media organizations, have provided firsthand accounts of the destruction, documenting the human toll through photographs, videos, and written reports. However, their ability to operate has been severely constrained by the ongoing violence, targeted attacks on media infrastructure, and restrictions on movement and communication.
The loss of over 245 journalists and media workers since October 2023 is a stark reminder of the dangers they face. These casualties include prominent figures in the Palestinian media landscape, whose deaths have been mourned as both a personal tragedy and a blow to the region’s journalistic community. The targeting of media workers has been condemned by organizations like the CPJ, which has documented cases of journalists being killed in airstrikes, shot by snipers, or otherwise attacked while clearly identifiable as press.
International Response and Diplomatic Efforts
The joint statement by Canada and its 20 partner countries represents a significant diplomatic effort to address the crisis facing journalists in Gaza. By issuing a collective statement, these nations signal their unified stance on the importance of press freedom and the need to protect those who risk their lives to report the truth. The inclusion of countries from diverse regions—ranging from Western democracies like Canada, France, and Germany to Gulf states like Qatar—demonstrates the global scope of concern over the situation in Gaza.
The event organized by France and Reporters Without Borders during the UN General Assembly provided a platform for civil society groups to engage directly with policymakers. These discussions likely informed the content of the joint statement, ensuring that it reflects the perspectives of journalists, media organizations, and human rights advocates. The involvement of RSF, an organization with a long history of advocating for press freedom, lends additional weight to the statement and underscores the urgency of the issue.
The statement’s call for action also aligns with broader international efforts to address the Gaza crisis. The United Nations, human rights organizations, and various governments have repeatedly called for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and accountability for violations of international law. While the joint statement focuses specifically on journalists, it contributes to the broader narrative of advocating for civilian protections and upholding human rights in the context of the conflict.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its strong message, the joint statement faces challenges in achieving its objectives. Israel’s restrictions on media access to Gaza are rooted in security concerns, and the government has consistently defended its actions as necessary to protect national interests. Convincing Israeli authorities to loosen these restrictions will require sustained diplomatic pressure and engagement, particularly from influential countries like the United States, which was notably absent from the list of endorsing nations.
The statement’s decision to avoid directly naming Israel in its tribute to fallen journalists may also draw criticism from some quarters. While this approach may have been intended to maintain diplomatic neutrality, it risks diluting the message and could be seen as sidestepping accountability for the high number of journalist deaths attributed to Israeli military actions. Critics may argue that a stronger condemnation of specific violations would have sent a clearer signal to all parties involved.
Furthermore, the practical implementation of the statement’s demands remains uncertain. Ensuring safe passage for journalists and opening Gaza to foreign media will require coordination with multiple stakeholders, including the Israeli government, Palestinian authorities, and international organizations. The volatile security situation in Gaza complicates these efforts, as does the broader political impasse surrounding the conflict.
The Role of Journalists in Conflict Zones
The joint statement shines a spotlight on the indispensable role of journalists in conflict zones. Beyond simply reporting the news, journalists serve as witnesses to history, providing the world with critical insights into the human cost of war. Their work is essential for informing public opinion, shaping policy debates, and holding powerful actors accountable. In Gaza, where access to information is heavily restricted, journalists are often the only source of reliable reporting, making their safety and freedom of movement all the more critical.
The dangers faced by journalists in Gaza are not unique but are particularly acute given the intensity of the conflict and the lack of protections for civilians. The targeting of media workers raises profound ethical and legal questions about the conduct of warfare and the responsibilities of belligerent parties. By calling attention to these issues, the joint statement contributes to a broader conversation about the need to safeguard press freedom in all conflict zones, from Ukraine to Yemen to Myanmar.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Accountability and Change
The joint statement by Canada and its partners is a step toward addressing the crisis facing journalists in Gaza, but it is only the beginning. Achieving meaningful change will require sustained international pressure, concrete actions, and a commitment to upholding the principles of press freedom and international humanitarian law. Key steps could include:
Diplomatic Engagement: The endorsing countries should engage directly with Israel to negotiate the safe passage of journalists and the opening of Gaza to foreign media. This could involve bilateral talks, multilateral forums, or pressure through international bodies like the United Nations.
Support for Local Journalists: International organizations and governments should provide resources, training, and legal support to Palestinian journalists working in Gaza. This could include funding for protective equipment, mental health services, and advocacy for their rights.
Accountability Mechanisms: The international community should investigate allegations of targeted attacks on journalists and pursue accountability through mechanisms like the International Criminal Court (ICC) or independent inquiries.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising global awareness about the plight of journalists in Gaza can help sustain pressure for change. Media organizations, NGOs, and governments can collaborate to amplify the voices of affected journalists and highlight their stories.
Humanitarian Access: Efforts to protect journalists should be part of broader initiatives to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including calls for a ceasefire, the delivery of aid, and the protection of all civilians.
Conclusion
The joint statement issued by Canada and 20 other countries on September 26, 2025, represents a significant call to action in defense of journalists in the Gaza Strip. By urging Israel to ensure the safety of media workers and grant access to foreign press, the coalition underscores the critical importance of press freedom in documenting the realities of conflict. The statement’s emphasis on international humanitarian law serves as a reminder that journalists, as civilians, are entitled to protection, and their role in providing accurate information is indispensable to the global community.
As the conflict in Gaza continues to exact a devastating toll, the international community must remain vigilant in advocating for the safety of journalists and the free flow of information. The loss of over 245 media workers since October 2023 is a tragedy that demands not only tribute but action. Through sustained diplomatic efforts, support for local journalists, and a commitment to accountability, the endorsing nations can help ensure that the voices of those reporting from Gaza are not silenced. In doing so, they uphold a fundamental pillar of democracy: the right to know the truth, even in the darkest of times.
