Israeli army imposes censorship on journalists covering the Gaza war

In a letter sent to journalists, the Israeli Military Censor announced that it has imposed a ban on reports and broadcasts regarding various topics, including the status of hostages held in Gaza, military developments, and the operational status of the Israeli army.

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Israeli army imposes censorship on journalists covering the Gaza war

The Israeli army has imposed various bans on news regarding the Gaza war, requesting that all news and images related to the course of the war and the activities of the army be sent to its own “censorship unit” before publication.

In a letter sent to the press, the Military Censor, which is affiliated with the Israeli army's Military Intelligence Directorate, stated: "We would like to encourage you to send all materials related to the activities of the Israeli army and Israeli security forces to the censorship unit before publication."

'FORBIDDEN, FORBIDDEN, FORBIDDEN...'

The letter included a list of topics that are “not permitted for publication and are required to be submitted to the Military Censor before publication,” such as the status of hostages held in Gaza, military developments, and the operational status of the Israeli army.

The 8 items on the list are as follows:

1- Hostages: Personal details; all roles they hold, their health status, Israel's negotiation status, and all details regarding negotiations conducted for the release of the hostages.

2- Operational details: The combat order and assembly areas of security forces, troop movements, operational plans, and covert operations.

Reporting on the weak points of the Israeli army, including the deployment, location, and capabilities of the Iron Dome system and other air and missile defense systems, is prohibited. Furthermore, it is forbidden to publish photos or videos that could identify Israeli forces, their order, and their scope.

3- Intelligence: Any intelligence regarding the enemy's intentions and capabilities.

4- Weapon systems: Details of weapon systems in use by the Israeli army, and equipment belonging to the Israeli army that has fallen into enemy hands (even if your report is based on enemy sources).

5- Rocket attacks: Reporting on rocket attacks that hit strategic infrastructure targets such as power plants, gas and water infrastructure, transport depots, military and defense bases, factories, and other sensitive areas is prohibited.

6- Cyberattacks: Reporting on attacks against security institutions, federal and national institutions is prohibited. It is also forbidden to report on Israel's cyberattacks against the enemy.

7- Visits by high-level officials: It is forbidden to report on the presence of the Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Chief of General Staff, Ministers, members of Parliament, and other high-level officials in war zones during their visits.

8- Security cabinet: Any news regarding the details and information of cabinet meetings must be submitted to the Military Censor before publication.

In the letter, press organizations were asked to inform their employees about the content of the aforementioned letter.

- The latest situation in Israel's attacks on Gaza

Hamas's armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack on Israel on the morning of October 7, dubbed "Al-Aqsa Flood."

The Israeli army also began attacking the Gaza Strip with dozens of warplanes.

It was reported that 1,400 Israelis, 309 of whom were soldiers, were killed and 5,132 Israelis were injured in the attacks from Gaza.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that 7,028 people, including 2,913 children, 1,709 women, and 397 elderly people, were killed and 18,484 people were injured in Israel's attacks on Gaza.

News Source: AA