Introduction
Wars are not only fought with weapons; they are fought with narratives. What the world sees, hears, and remembers about a conflict often depends on who tells the story. In Gaza, a place scarred by decades of blockade and violence, international journalists are being denied access. The result is a global crisis of transparency.
In response, four of the world’s largest and most respected media organizations—BBC, Agence France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press (AP), and Reuters—have united in an unprecedented campaign to demand open access to Gaza. Their message, captured in the short film “We Must Be Let In,” is clear: journalism is essential to truth, accountability, and justice.
This article examines why the international press is pushing for entry, the consequences of being locked out, and what it means for the future of press freedom.
The Power of Storytelling in War
Journalists are often called the “first drafters of history.” Their reporting provides the framework through which future generations understand war. From the photographs of Vietnam to the televised coverage of Sarajevo, media reporting has not only documented wars but also influenced political decisions and humanitarian responses.
In Gaza, that first draft is being written almost exclusively by local journalists. While their work is invaluable, the absence of international reporters raises concerns about independence, verification, and visibility. The story of Gaza risks being told only in fragments, with global audiences deprived of a comprehensive picture.
The Campaign: “We Must Be Let In”
In 2025, the BBC, AFP, AP, and Reuters released a joint video campaign. Journalists from across the world appeared on screen, each repeating the same phrase: “We must be let in.”
The simplicity of the message is deliberate. Press freedom is not a privilege—it is a necessity. Without journalists inside Gaza, the world relies on official statements, social media, and secondhand reports, leaving truth vulnerable to manipulation.
This campaign marks a rare moment of unity among rival news organizations. Their collaboration underscores the urgency of the crisis.
Israel’s Restrictions
Israel has argued that restricting journalists from Gaza is necessary for security reasons. Officials cite risks such as kidnappings, accidental targeting, or the leaking of sensitive military operations.
Yet critics point out that journalists have historically reported from equally dangerous environments, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. In those cases, reporters took on risks but were not barred wholesale. Gaza’s exclusion, many argue, appears less about safety and more about controlling the narrative.
Local Journalists Under Fire
The absence of foreign journalists has left Palestinian reporters to shoulder the burden of documenting the war. Their courage is undeniable, but their circumstances are dire:
- They face the same bombings, starvation, and displacement as other civilians.
- Many lack protective gear, medical care, or even reliable electricity and internet.
- Dozens have been killed since the start of the conflict, making Gaza one of the deadliest places in the world to be a journalist.
Local reporters are keeping Gaza’s story alive, but international media insist they must be allowed to help carry the responsibility.
The Humanitarian Angle
Open press access isn’t only about politics—it’s about humanitarian response. When crises are reported, they mobilize global action.
- The famine in Ethiopia during the 1980s drew international aid after journalists exposed the scale of suffering.
- In Bosnia, coverage of Sarajevo’s siege pressured global powers to intervene.
- In Darfur, media exposure amplified campaigns for humanitarian support.
In Gaza, without consistent international reporting, the humanitarian crisis risks becoming invisible to much of the world. Aid groups warn of famine-like conditions, but without compelling images and verified stories, those appeals may fall on deaf ears.
The Consequences of Silence
Denying journalists access has serious consequences:
- Misinformation Spreads – With no independent fact-checking, propaganda dominates.
- Global Apathy Increases – Without powerful reporting, international audiences disengage.
- Accountability Declines – Governments and armed groups act with impunity if no one is watching.
- History Gets Distorted – Future generations inherit an incomplete or biased version of events.
The demand for transparency is, therefore, not only about today—it is about how Gaza will be remembered tomorrow.
Social Media vs. Professional Journalism
Some argue that social media already provides raw, real-time access to Gaza. Civilians upload videos and testimonies that are widely shared across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Yet, while powerful, these sources lack the verification, context, and credibility that professional journalism brings. In a world rife with misinformation, independent reporting is critical to separate truth from manipulation.
Global Support for Press Freedom
The “We Must Be Let In” campaign has resonated worldwide. Human rights groups, NGOs, and press freedom advocates have endorsed the call. On social media, hashtags like #LetJournosIn and #PressFreedom have trended, highlighting broad public concern.
The campaign has also sparked debate among policymakers. Some European and U.S. officials have suggested including press access as part of ceasefire and humanitarian negotiations.
A Global Press Freedom Crisis
The fight for Gaza access is part of a larger global trend. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the past few years have been some of the deadliest for reporters worldwide. From Sudan to Myanmar, governments are increasingly restricting journalists in times of crisis.
Gaza has become a frontline in the struggle for transparency. If restrictions are accepted here, other governments may feel emboldened to exclude the press elsewhere.
What Needs to Be Done
For international journalists to gain access to Gaza, several measures are needed:
- Diplomatic Pressure – Governments and the UN must demand press freedom as part of humanitarian negotiations.
- Safety Guarantees – Neutral corridors and protective agreements must be established.
- Industry Collaboration – Media organizations must pool resources to provide safety training and equipment.
- Public Advocacy – Citizens must keep demanding transparency, ensuring leaders cannot ignore the issue.
Conclusion
Gaza’s story is still unfolding. It is a story of devastation and resilience, of suffering and survival. But it is also a story that risks being silenced if the world’s journalists remain locked out.
By uniting in their demand for open access, BBC, AFP, AP, and Reuters are standing not just for their right to report but for the world’s right to know. Press freedom is not an abstract principle—it is the difference between silence and accountability, between ignorance and action.
The world cannot afford silence. Journalists must be let in.
