Gaza: Israel's ban on international media in the war-torn Gaza Strip is contributing to misinformation and the spread of dehumanization, according to the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

According to Anadolu Agency, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that since the conflict began 1.5 years ago, Israeli authorities have prohibited international media from entering Gaza to report independently. Lazzarini emphasized that this restriction is fueling propaganda, misinformation, and the spread of dehumanization.

Lazzarini also expressed concern that credible accounts and eyewitness testimonies from relief organizations regarding the situation in Gaza are being discredited and questioned. He remarked on the essential role of the free flow of information and independent reporting in ensuring accountability during conflicts, asserting that Gaza should not be an exception.

Local Palestinian authorities report that at least 210 journalists have been killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. The Israeli army renewed its assault on Gaza on March 18, disrupting a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement established on January 19.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 51,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, with most victims being women and children. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.