Canada has chosen not to endorse a multi-nation statement urging Israel to cease its ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza and to safeguard local journalists in Palestinian territories. This decision is notable, especially considering Canada's role as a co-founder of the Media Freedom Coalition in 2020. The coalition has previously issued over 65 statements addressing various issues, from legislative matters to the detention of journalists in different countries.
The statement, released on Thursday, was signed by 27 countries and called on Israeli authorities and all parties to ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem could operate freely and safely. Canada's absence from this list is unusual.
This is not the first time Canada has refrained from signing a multi-country statement from the coalition; the other instance occurred during the 2021 election campaign. Canada has previously signed statements expressing concern over deaths in Gaza and calling for accountability in the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
The joint statement follows condemnation from Canada and other nations regarding the deliberate killing of six journalists by Israel earlier this month, including Al Jazeera reporter Anas Al-Sharif. Israel has barred foreign journalists from entering Gaza unless they are embedded with the Israeli military, a practice criticized by the Committee to Protect Journalists. The conflict has been described as the deadliest for journalists in recent memory, with at least 192 journalists killed since the war began.
In a separate joint statement on Thursday, Canada, along with Australia, Japan, and several European countries, urged Israel to retract plans to build settlements that would restrict Palestinian access to Jerusalem and separate the city from the West Bank. The statement condemned the E1 plan as a violation of international law, arguing that it risks undermining security and fueling further violence.
5 Comments
Matzomaster
We don’t know all the behind-the-scenes discussions. Let’s trust Canada is working towards a better resolution in its own way.
Amatus
This is a shameful contradiction to Canada's supposed commitment to human rights. Which side are we really on?
Leonardo
I agree with Canada’s choice. We need to focus more on solutions than statements that may escalate tensions.
ZmeeLove
This is unacceptable! How can Canada claim to care about media freedom while choosing not to sign a statement that advocates for it?
Michelangelo
I support Canada prioritizing diplomacy over declarations. Real change often happens behind closed doors!