UK joins call for Israel to allow foreign media to go into Gaza

THE UK has called on Israel to allow foreign journalists to enter Gaza as Tel Aviv prepares to step up military operations in the territory.

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In a statement alongside 25 other members of the Media Freedom Coalition, the UK urged Israel to "allow immediate independent foreign media access and afford protection for journalists operating in Gaza".

The coalition said: "Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war. Access to conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively.

"We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts.

"We also strongly condemn all violence directed against journalists and media workers, especially the extremely high number of fatalities, arrests and detentions."