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.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the move on X. The letter was issued by the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), a group of more than 50 countries advocating media freedom and journalist safety worldwide.
It was signed by 27 countries, including Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
"Journalists and media workers play a vital role in highlighting the devastating reality of war," the letter states.
"Access to conflict zones is crucial to fulfilling this role effectively. We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom and deny journalists access during conflicts."
It further calls on Israel and all other parties involved "to ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem (both local and foreign) can carry out their work freely and safely. The deliberate targeting of journalists is unacceptable."
The 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.
On Friday, the United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza City – the first one ever issued in the Middle East. Half a million people are in a "disastrous" state, according to UN experts.
Belgium's Ministry of Foreign Affairs separately urged Israel to halt its offensive on Gaza City, which began on Wednesday.
