Mr. Tim Dawson:

Yes, unequivocally. From the outset of the conflict, Israel banned foreign reporters from being in Gaza and it has maintained that ever since. Large numbers of journalists have gathered at the Rafah crossing and have petitioned daily to try to get through it. Journalists tend to be quite determined and devious but, as far as I am aware, none have managed. A few journalists have been embedded with the Israeli forces, allowed to go in, see what they are shown and come out. I am not against embedding absolutely but if the only reporting is embedding, then it is completely hopeless.

Israel has also been down on its own media, taking advertising away from the liberal daily Haaretz, for example, and expelling Al Jazeera from the country altogether. The Deputy is absolutely right. No journalists have been allowed in. There have been very significant restrictions on other aspects of reporting of that conflict.