Written question asked by Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Israel: Media

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of media freedom in Israel; and what steps he is taking to support independent journalists and media organisations transiting through Israel to operate in and reporting on Gaza and the West Bank.

Answer: The UK has been clear in our engagement with the Government of Israel that journalists must be able to operate safely and in line with international humanitarian law, which provides explicit protections for civilians, including media workers. Through the Media Freedom Coalition, the UK, alongside our partners, has called on the Government of Israel to allow independent foreign media access to Gaza and the West Bank and afford protection to journalists operating there.

Secondary information