The humanitarian tragedy in Gaza has been incredibly hard to witness.  But we would not know the extent of the starvation and civilian casualties were it not for the brave journalists who are still living in Gaza, covering the events as they unfold.  Many journalists in Gaza have died during this war, either actively at work or seeking shelter with their families. 

Over the past week, the world has relied on the work of remaining journalists in Gaza to document the starvation and continued bombings, even as organizations have raised alarms over the declining health of these media workers and their families.  AP, AFP, Reuters, and the BBC have revealed the horrific state their freelance journalists are currently living in, some too weak to work.  

CBC/Radio-Canada also depends on the work of freelancers in Gaza, and the CMG has been assured by management that measures to support their well-being are a priority.  Indeed, CBC and Radio-Canada news leadership have signed on to a call to allow independent media into the country.

This week, the Canadian government pledged $40 million to support Palestinians in Gaza. The world is watching because of these brave journalists who continue to show us what is really happening. 

The Canadian Media Guild joins with other media organizations, humanitarian groups, and federal governments in calling for the Israeli government to immediately allow unrestricted access to the territory for international journalists so that the world can clearly witness the situation on the ground, and allow the flow of necessary food and supplies provided by international humanitarian organizations into the territory.

Finally, the CMG calls on all parties to end the hostilities and cease the inhumane treatment of civilians in the region.

*This communication has been adjusted for clarification