Freedom of expression is facing greater threats in Gaza than in any recent conflict, according to a United Nations expert. Irene Khan, the U.N. independent investigator on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, highlighted the targeting of journalists and Palestinian supporters in various countries. In Gaza, attacks on the media, targeted killings, and arbitrary detention of journalists have been reported.
Khan pointed out that the banning of Al Jazeera and increased censorship within Israel and the occupied territories suggest a deliberate effort by Israeli authorities to stifle critical journalism and hinder the documentation of potential international crimes. She also criticised the discrimination and double standards leading to restrictions on pro-Palestinian protests and speech, citing examples such as bans in European countries and the harsh treatment of protests on U.S. college campuses.
Furthermore, the UN special rapporteur raised concerns about the suppression of dissenting voices in academia and the arts, urging academic institutions worldwide to protect all members of their community regardless of their background. While acknowledging the role of social media platforms in facilitating communication with Gaza, Khan highlighted the surge in disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech targeting individuals from all sides of the conflict.
Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its prolonged occupation of Palestinian territories were emphasised by Khan as issues warranting public scrutiny and criticism. Despite presenting her report on the global crisis of freedom of expression related to the conflict in Gaza to the U.N. General Assembly, Israel maintained that the conflict was not of global significance.
Khan called on the U.N. General Assembly and Security Council to enhance protections for journalists as essential civilian workers, equating journalism with humanitarian work in terms of importance. She urged countries to address the denial of access to conflict zones for international media representatives, condemning the silence of nations claiming to champion press freedom in the face of attacks on journalists in Gaza and the West Bank.
In conclusion, Khan warned that the actions in Gaza could set a dangerous precedent worldwide, normalising impunity for such attacks if left unaddressed. The urgent need to safeguard freedom of expression and protect journalists in conflict zones was underscored as vital for upholding democratic values and human rights.