Different degrees of political fragmentation in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine have had a variety of effects on conditions for the media—most of them negative.
We urge all sides in the Israel-Gaza fighting to avoid civilian harm. Every civilian death or injury, whether caused by artillery, ground forces, bombings or rockets, risks intensifying and prolonging a conflict that has already lasted generations. We urge all sides to respect civilians’ most basic and important human right, which is the right to life.
Freedom House yesterday released its annual Freedom of the Press report. The findings paint a grim picture of the state of global media freedom, with just 14 percent of the world’s population enjoying a vibrant press with diverse views and minimal state intrusion.
Freedom House applauds the announcement of a ceasefire between the government of Israel and the Hamas authorities in Gaza and hopes this will mark the beginning of a determined international effort to permanently end the violence that has cost the lives of innocent civilians.
