BBC and News Agencies Unite for Journalist Access to Gaza

Sun Dec 21 2025 17:35:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a powerful call to action, the BBC and major news agencies have launched a film urging Israel to permit foreign journalists into Gaza to document the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

A film released by the BBC, AFP, AP, and Reuters, narrated by David Dimbleby, highlights the urgent need for international journalists in Gaza amid tight restrictions. The film, which premieres in New York, emphasizes the dire situation local reporters face and calls for collaborative reporting to reflect the realities of war-torn Gaza.

The BBC and three major international news agencies have united to launch a poignant film advocating for Israel to grant foreign journalists access to Gaza. This film, part of a significant campaign, is narrated by esteemed BBC journalist David Dimbleby.

Dimbleby asserts the necessity of allowing international journalists into Gaza, stating, 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. Currently, foreign journalists are barred from independently entering Gaza since the onset of Israel's 2023 military campaigns following Hamas's attack on October 7.

Historically, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed that to ensure reporters’ safety in battle zones, military oversight is essential. The BBC has reached out to Israeli authorities for their input on this pressing issue.

Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, It is almost two years since October 7th when the world witnessed Hamas' atrocities. Since then, a war has been raging in Gaza but international journalists are not allowed in. She insists on the need for collaborative work with local journalists to convey the true story of Gaza.

The film's premiere is strategically timed to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly. Featuring historic footage from pivotal global events and crises, it underscores the vital role journalists play in reporting human suffering and accountability.

This initiative is not the first call for foreign press access to Gaza. Previous statements of concern have been made by multiple media organizations and countries, illustrating a longstanding issue regarding reporters' safety and access in conflict zones.