UN-Truth

Journalists are not being allowed into Gaza, not just yet — despite misleading titles in minor news articles to the contrary.

At the very least, the Supreme Court left the decision almost entirely in the hands of the Israeli military.

The compromise, as described, was that small groups of journalists organized into “pools” will be allowed to go into Gaza.

But, hang on, not if Erez crossing is not open otherwise, as it has not been much of the time recently. Only when it is open for “humanitarian cases” — which happened only yesterday (and no journalists were allowed in then, because the minuet, as partly described below, had not been played out then).

So, here, from the Foreign Press Association to its members, here is the latest on the “arrangements”:

“PLEASE READ CAREFULLY TO THE END:

“We are are still waiting for the Court to get back to us regarding the State’s limitation of 8 (eight) foreign journalists to be permitted entry at any given time. We originally asked for 12 based on a formula which would cover two TV’s (two-man crew) Print, Stills and Radio. We have to cater to ALL our members and ALL language groups. The State agreed to eight people, we appealed for 4 more. We SHOULD know by the end of today. [n.b., there has been no further information by the end of Thursday, and it is now 10:15 pm in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Gaza].

“LOGISTICS as required by the State:

1.On any given day the FPA will be informed that the crossing MAY be opened the following day. The FPA has to then provide the CLA with a list of members for that day.
2. The list will be cleared and the Coordinator’s office will DIRECTLY contact the people designated for that day telling them where to be and when with SHORT notice due to what they call “security considerations”.
3. For the same considerations NO LIST WILL BE MADE PUBLIC AT ALL until after the members are inside. [What! The LIST is going to be made public after the journalists enter Gaza!!! What about their security while inside Gaza???]
4. The same security considerations are fluid and can change even when the members are on the way to the crossing meaning that even if you think you’re going in, this may not happen.
5. The FPA has undertaken to inform the members who are inside Gaza of the day and time they have to collect back at the crossing in order to come back – the crossing will not be opened for single people to cross when it suits them.
6. This procedure will continue for as long as the current situation exists.
Reminder: our petition for unfettered access is still pending and will be dealt with at a later date.
7. The Court has appointed the FPA executive secretary as point person for the lists.
8. The executive secretary will contact the persons listed as early as possible to get ready as soon as we have been informed that the crossing may open.
…
Happy New Year folks, we’re going to get this show on the road”.

Filed under: Gaza, Israel, Journalism and Journalists, Palestine & Palestinians