The Belgian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that Belgium has joined an international appeal calling on Israel to grant independent foreign media access to Gaza and to guarantee the safety of journalists working there.
In a post on the social media platform X, the Belgian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that Belgium had signed a letter written by the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC).
MFC groups more than 50 countries that advocate press freedom and the safety of journalists. The letter calling on Isreal to grant independent journalists access to Gaza has been signed by 27 countries including Belgium, the UK, Germany and France.
The letter reads "Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war," the letter says. "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."
It calls on Israel and all other parties involved in the conflict "to ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem – local and foreign alike – can conduct their work freely and safely. Deliberate targeting journalists is unacceptable."
MFC also reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the remaining hostages, unimpeded humanitarian aid and progress towards a two-state solution.
Earlier this week the Belgian Foreign Ministry urged Israel to halt its offensive on Gaza City.