Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned Israel’s arrest of more than 20 foreign journalists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces en route to Gaza.
The Paris-based media watchdog called for the immediate release of the detained journalists, describing the arrests as a severe violation of the right to inform.
In a statement issued on the evening of 2 October, RSF confirmed that the journalists were among the more than 400 people on board the flotilla, which set sail to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, reports AFP.
The mission, supported by global activists, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, was intended to bring relief to Gaza, where the United Nations has reported ongoing famine conditions.
The flotilla, which was carrying politicians, activists, and media professionals, was intercepted by the Israeli navy between Wednesday and Thursday, as the Israeli authorities blocked the vessels from reaching Gaza. RSF stated that the journalists arrested included reporters from prominent outlets such as Spain’s El País, Qatar’s Al Jazeera, and Italy’s public broadcaster RAI.
Israel has confirmed the arrests but stated that the journalists would be deported to Europe, adding that none of the ships had breached Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza.
However, RSF’s Martin Roux, the head of the organisation’s crisis desk, denounced the arrests, emphasising that “arresting journalists and preventing them from doing their work is a serious violation of the right to inform and be informed.”
RSF further highlighted that since the onset of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the international press has faced severe restrictions. Only a limited number of media outlets have been allowed to operate, often embedded with the Israeli military and subject to strict censorship.
In addition, RSF pointed to the increasing dangers faced by journalists covering the conflict. According to the organisation, over 210 journalists have been killed since the start of Israeli military operations in Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on 7 October, 2023.
