Middle East: Media groups urge Israel to allow entry to Gaza

A group of news organizations has urged Israel again to let journalists in and out of Gaza as the humanitarian situation there grows increasingly dire.

Since the October 7 Hamas attacks, reporters have only been allowed in under tight Israeli military control. Global media organizations have been relying on local journalists, many of whom are now struggling to find food and are unable to work.

In a joint statement, the Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Associated Press (AP), Reuters and the BBC said they were "desperately concerned" for "these independent journalists have been the world's eyes and ears on the ground in Gaza."

The statement called on Israel to allow media access to Gaza and ensure that adequate food supplies reach the people there.

Here is a round-up of developments in Israel, Gaza and the wider Middle East on Thursday, July 24.

07/24/2025July 24, 2025

Welcome to our coverage

You join us as Israel says it is reviewing a revised response from Hamas to a proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Hamas has confirmed submitting a new proposal but has not revealed its contents. Sources familiar with the talks told news agenices that mediators rejected a previous draft handed in late Tuesday and did not pass it on to Israel.

Both sides have been under growing domestic and international pressure to reach a deal. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have sharply deteriorated, with widespread hunger across the enclave drawing global concern.

More than 100 aid and rights groups on Wednesday warned that "mass starvation" is spreading in Gaza, home to over two million Palestinians.

Follow along as DW brings you the latest reports, explainers and analysis on developments across the Middle East.