The Foreign Press Association is alarmed by several incidents in which reporters on assignment in the West Bank were harassed by soldiers. We call on the Israeli army to ensure the safety of reporters and to facilitate and not impede the access of GPO accredited journalists working in the area. 

In a series of incidents, reporters were stopped at checkpoints, barred from crossing despite showing their press cards, and harassed and threatened by settlers, some of whom wore army uniforms. These incidents have taken place despite repeated pleas to the army spokesman for assistance during the current Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The media outlets include: CNN, Germany’s ARD, Austrian ORF team, Netherland’s NOS team and an Al Jazeera team.

The military spokesman’s office has made promises to ensure the safety of journalists. While we welcome such pledges, we urge the military to turn those words into action.