Oslo: Nearly 260 journalists and media organizations have criticized the restrictions imposed by Israel on the press, which they claim "silence independent observation." This statement comes as part of the Freedom To Report petition, which was signed on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the journalists highlighted that almost 200 journalists, predominantly Palestinian, have lost their lives while covering events in Gaza. They expressed concern that foreign journalists are being prevented from entering the region due to Israeli restrictions, which they argue result in both "humanitarian" and "information" blackouts. The situation in Gaza, they contend, signifies a decline in press freedom, which is fundamental to democracy.

The journalists emphasized that supporting press access in Gaza aligns with defending the democratic ideal that truth should not be monopolized by those in power. They warned that inaction could imply acceptance of manipulated truths and the withholding of inconvenient facts. The continuation of the press blackout, they cautioned, might lead to the suppression of truth in times of conflict, highlighting that "silence is already taking root."

They further warned that authoritarianism thrives when global attention is diverted, and prolonged isolation of Gaza could set a precedent for worldwide press blackouts. They stressed that freedom of the press is essential and "not optional."

The signatories clarified that their stance is firmly rooted in journalism, not activism, asserting the urgency of the matter. They urged for the protection of the right to report, warning against its gradual erosion.

Journalists from various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Belgium, Norway, Spain, South Africa, Portugal, and Turkey, have endorsed the petition. Freedom to Report is a coordinated initiative based in Norway, supported by frontline journalists from prominent media outlets globally.