MEMBER PRESS RELEASE

BBC, AFP, AP and Reuters launch film calling for Gaza access

25 September 2025

The film uses iconic news images to highlight the importance of independent journalism.

This press release was originally published by the BBC.

The BBC, in association with Agence France-Presse, the Associated Press, and Reuters, has launched a short film calling on the Israeli authorities to allow international journalists access to Gaza.

The film, narrated by veteran BBC journalist David Dimbleby, uses iconic news images to highlight the importance of independent journalism throughout key moments in recent history.

Deborah Turness, CEO of BBC News, says: “As journalists, we record the first draft of history. But in this conflict, reporting is falling solely to a small number of Palestinian journalists, who are paying a terrible cost.

“It is almost two years since October 7th when the world witnessed Hamas’ atrocities. Since then, a war has been raging in Gaza but international journalists are not allowed in. We must now be let into Gaza. To work alongside local journalists, so we can all bring the facts to the world.”

The film is being premiered in New York on Wednesday 24 September at an event hosted by the Committee to Protect Journalists, to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly.

Independent international journalists are not currently allowed access to Gaza.