BBC and News Agencies Urge Israel to Grant Journalists Access to Gaza

Sat Oct 18 2025 16:32:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A collaborative film by the BBC and international news agencies calls for the reinstatement of journalists' access to Gaza, highlighting the ongoing need for comprehensive reporting in war-torn areas.

The BBC, alongside Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, and Reuters, has premiered a film urging the Israeli government to allow foreign journalists back into Gaza as the region faces escalating humanitarian crises. Narrated by David Dimbleby, the film emphasizes the essential role of international reporters in documenting the realities on the ground, especially given the severe restrictions imposed since the onset of Israel's military operations in response to Hamas attacks. Despite existing measures for military-controlled access, calls for unimpeded entry persist, reflecting concerns over audience awareness of the humanitarian situation.

The BBC and three international news agencies have released a short film calling on Israel to allow foreign journalists into Gaza.

The film, launched by the corporation with Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters, is narrated by veteran BBC journalist David Dimbleby.

He stated: International journalists must now be allowed into Gaza to share the burden with the Palestinian reporters there so we can all bring the facts to the world.

Foreign journalists have faced restrictions on entering Gaza independently since Israel's military campaign commenced following Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023. Only a handful have been granted access under military escort.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has claimed that this precaution is to ensure journalists' safety amid ongoing conflict.

Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News, emphasized the urgency of this issue, stating: We must now be let into Gaza to work alongside local journalists to bring the facts to the world.

The film is premiering in New York amid the UN General Assembly, featuring significant moments from history covered by journalists in various conflicts.

Several international bodies and countries have backed previous calls for access for foreign media to Gaza, highlighting ongoing concerns for journalists facing dire conditions, including risk of starvation and violence.