UN investigator Irene Khan has pointed out that the Gaza conflict is causing a worldwide crisis of free speech. She says journalists in Gaza are being attacked‚ and people supporting Palestinians are facing problems in many countries
Khan who looks into freedom of speech issues for the UN‚ says the situation in Gaza is worse than any recent conflict. She mentions that Al Jazeera was banned and theres more censorship in Israel and occupied areas. This she thinks‚ is part of a plan to stop critical reporting and hide possible international crimes
In different parts of the world‚ people supporting Palestinians are having trouble. Some European countries have banned protests‚ and in US colleges protests were stopped harshly. In some places‚ Palestinian symbols and slogans are not allowed or even considered illegal
Khan also talks about how people with different views in universities and arts are being silenced. She says even the best schools are not protecting all their people - whether theyʼre Jewish‚ Palestinian‚ Israeli‚ Arab‚ Muslim or others
Social media has been important for communication with Gaza but its also seen more false information and hate speech. Khan says everyone - Arabs‚ Jews‚ Israelis and Palestinians - are being targeted online
Israel told the UN that the Gaza conflict isnt really a global issue and Khan shouldnt be involved. But Khan thinks its important for everyone to be able to talk about Israels actions in Gaza and its long occupation of Palestinian areas
Journalism should be seen as essential as humanitarian work
Khan is worried that whats happening in Gaza might make other countries think its okay to attack journalists. She wants the UN to do more to protect journalists in conflict areas
The conflict started about a year ago when Hamas attacked Israel‚ killing many people and taking hostages. Israel then attacked Gaza‚ causing many deaths. Khan says no recent conflict has threatened free speech so much‚ both in the area and around the world