In a letter, these organizations highlight unprecedented actions that severely restrict media freedom, including the killing of journalists, the banning of independent media from Gaza, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, allegations of torture, and widespread censorship. One of the most alarming issues raised is the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) killing of more than 100 journalists and media workers in Gaza, as well as other journalists in Israel and Lebanon. These incidents have been documented by press freedom organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The letter accuses the IDF of directly targeting journalists, describing these actions as potential war crimes. The letter also condemns the near-total ban on journalists entering Gaza, which it calls “unprecedented in modern times.” “This restriction, which contrasts with media access in other major global conflicts, has led to a significant information void and has been met with criticism from over 70 news outlets and civil society organizations,” it states. “The lack of media access has made it difficult to verify reports of violence and human rights abuses, further exacerbating the situation.” The EU-Israel Association Agreement, which was established in 2000, provides the legal and institutional framework for cooperation between the two entities. Israel is the EU’s 25th largest trading partner, while the EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, accounting for 28.8 percent of its trade in 2022. Total trade in goods between the EU and Israel in 2022 amounted to €46.8 billion. Suspending the agreement could have significant economic repercussions. The letter also raises concerns about the arbitrary detention of journalists, noting that at least 49 journalists and media workers have been arrested in what their attorneys describe as “retaliation for their journalism and commentary.” At least 13 of these journalists are being held under administrative detention, a practice that allows the IDF to imprison individuals without charge, typically for six months, with the possibility of indefinite renewals. The letter further highlights the case of three journalists who were "disappeared" by the IDF. Since their disappearance, Israeli authorities have refused to provide information on their whereabouts, the legal grounds for their arrest, or confirmation that they are still alive. The signatories call on the EU to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement and impose targeted sanctions on Israeli officials responsible for these abuses. They also urge European leaders to demand that Israel lift the blockade on journalists accessing Gaza, protect the lives of journalists, and ensure accountability for violations of international law. The letter emphasizes the importance of maintaining press freedom as a critical means of documenting war crimes and upholding human rights, warning that censorship and the denial of information are detrimental to peace and security.Dozens of journalism and human rights organizations are urging the European Union to terminate its Association Agreement with Israel, citing reports of targeted killings of journalists in Gaza and numerous other human rights violations.
