Latest news with #TomPotokar
Sky News
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Israel's block on international journalists in Gaza should not be allowed to stand
On Sky News this week we're showing a film about Israel's war in Gaza which has now been going on for more than 620 days. It is a chastening watch. Swathes of Gaza's medical infrastructure have been razed, many of the territory's buildings have been destroyed, and tens of thousands of Gazans have been killed, maimed and left hungry and malnourished in a war fought mainly from the air with heavy ordinance dropped on crowded civilian areas. These extraordinary eyewitness accounts are not brought to our screens by experienced international war correspondents - they are barred from entering Gaza - but by two British medics whose mission was to save lives not to report on the horrors of war. That visiting surgeons Victoria Rose and Tom Potokar felt compelled to do just that, speaks not only to the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, but to the swingeing restrictions imposed on reporting what is happening there. In the history of modern warfare, the presence of journalists on the battlefield has been essential in holding the combatants to account and ensuring that war crimes and atrocities are uncovered and prevented. And Israel stands accused of egregious crimes in Gaza. Since it launched its war there in response to the Hamas terror attacks of October 7th 2023, in which around 1,200 Israelis and other nationals were murdered and a further 250 taken hostage, more than 55,000 Palestinians have been killed according to the Gazan health authorities. Many of the dead have been women and children. Earlier this month, former US State Department official Matt Miller told the Sky News Trump100 podcast that Israel had committed war crimes in Gaza. Ex-UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths went further, telling Sky News presenter Yalda Hakim that Israel is responsible for genocide there. It's an accusation supported by Ireland, Spain, and South Africa which is pursuing Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice - the UN's highest court. Israel rejects the case against it, claiming that many of the dead are Hamas fighters who have been hiding in tunnels under the hospitals that it has the right to attack in self-defence. Israeli officials and diplomats deny that its military targets women and children and react with outrage to the suggestion that it is responsible for ethnic cleansing or genocide - accusations of crimes against humanity that are taken as particularly loaded given the dark resonance they have for the Jewish people. But Israel's confidence in the integrity of its wartime conduct is not matched by a willingness to allow international journalists into Gaza to witness what is going on there for themselves. Military-organised 'embeds' fall well short of independent journalism For the course of its longest war, no reporters have been permitted entry to Gaza other than on organised and controlled 'embeds' of a few hours alongside Israeli soldiers. These managed opportunities fall well short of independent journalism, for which Sky News and other global news organisations must rely on trusted and heroic local reporting teams who lack the support and infrastructure to provide a complete picture of what is going on. And these Palestinian journalists have paid a heavy price for their work; according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 185 of them have been killed during the war and 86 imprisoned. The Foreign Press Association, which represents the interests of international journalists operating in Israel, has been petitioning its High Court of Justice to lift the ban on reporting independently from Gaza. So far, that legal action has been unsuccessful and last month the court again postponed a hearing in the case without reason or setting a new date. Israeli officials push back on the need and suitability of allowing journalists to operate independently in Gaza. They say that their military's priority is the rescue of the remaining hostages and the fight against Hamas and that the safety of reporters could not be ensured. But journalists from Sky News and fellow news organisations have operated in Gaza in previous conflicts, providing details of their location and movements to the Israel Defence Forces. 'We accept the risks' Moreover, we have decades of experience of covering conflict zones and our reporters are highly trained at doing so. The risks are real, for sure. But they're risks that we accept. It's what we do. The ongoing denial of access to Gaza feels much less about the safety of journalists and more about preventing proper scrutiny and accountability of the desperate situation there. The barring of international journalists is accompanied by the active delegitimisation of what reporting on the war has been possible which is often shamefully labelled as anti-Semitic and compared to the darkest periods in Jewish history. All together this constitutes a war on truth that is at odds with Israel's proud and oft-repeated claim to be the Middle East's only democracy and it should not be allowed to stand.
Sky News
26-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Israeli strike on Gaza shelter leaves at least 31 dead
At least 31 people have been killed and dozens more injured in an Israeli airstrike on a shelter in Gaza, health authorities have said. Medical and civil defence sources on the ground confirmed women and children were among the casualties, with several charred bodies arriving at al Shifa and al Ahli hospitals overnight into Monday. The shelter in the Daraj neighbourhood in Gaza City was formerly a school and was being used to home displaced people who had fled previous bombardments. More victims are feared trapped under the rubble of the building. The Israeli military said it hit a "command and control centre was used by the terrorists to plan and gather intelligence". It claimed that prior to the strike "numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians". The news comes as a British doctor working in Gaza has hit out at politicians who he accused of being "complicit" in the "ongoing slaughter and starvation" in the Palestinian territory. 1:11 'They have never smelt the rotting flesh' Tom Potokar, who is working at a hospital in Khan Younis, said the "political class… appear on the news shows, give interviews and try to justify what is happening, sitting in their offices, safe and sound, well fed and surrounded by all the luxuries of modern life". "They have no idea how dangerous their words are," he continued. "They have never been here, they've never seen with their own eyes what is going on, heard the screams, smelt the rotting flesh, shuddered from the constant bombardment." The medic added that if they spent "just one day here they would have the courage and the humanity to speak the truth... and use their power to bring this to an end, rather than being complicit in sustaining what is happening here". 6:31 Earlier, a medical charity chief spoke out about the deaths of a doctor's nine children in an Israeli strike on Friday, and the "almost impossibility" of providing care in Gaza. Chris Lockyear - secretary general of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders - told Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips the bodies of nine of paediatrician Alaa al Najjar's 10 children arrived at the Nasser Medical Complex, in Khan Younis, while she was on shift. Trump wants end to war Despite the warnings, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed the whole of Gaza will be under Israel's control. Israel stepped up its military operations in early May, saying it was seeking to eliminate Hamas' military and governing capabilities and bring back the remaining hostages who were seized on 7 October 2023. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on that day, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping about 250 others. Israel's response has flattened large areas of Gaza and killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Speaking on Sunday, Donald Trump repeated his desire to "see if we can stop" what is happening - but did not criticise Mr Netanyahu or the Israeli military campaign.
Sky News
26-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Israeli strike on Gaza shelter leaves at least 31 dead - as American aid chief quits
At least 31 people have been killed and dozens more injured in an Israeli airstrike on a shelter in Gaza, health authorities have said. Warning: Some readers may find content distressing Medical and civil defence sources on the ground confirmed women and children were among the casualties, with several charred bodies arriving at al Shifa and al Ahli hospitals overnight into Monday. The shelter in the Daraj neighbourhood in Gaza City was formerly a school and was being used to home displaced people who had fled previous bombardments. More victims are feared trapped under the rubble of the building. The Israeli military said it hit a "command and control centre was used by the terrorists to plan and gather intelligence". It claimed that prior to the strike "numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians". The news comes as a British doctor working in Gaza has hit out at politicians who he accused of being "complicit" in the "ongoing slaughter and starvation" in the Palestinian territory. 1:11 'They have never smelt the rotting flesh' Tom Potokar, who is working at a hospital in Khan Younis, said the "political class… appear on the news shows, give interviews and try to justify what is happening, sitting in their offices, safe and sound, well fed and surrounded by all the luxuries of modern life". "They have no idea how dangerous their words are," he continued. "They have never been here, they've never seen with their own eyes what is going on, heard the screams, smelt the rotting flesh, shuddered from the constant bombardment." The medic added that if they spent "just one day here they would have the courage and the humanity to speak the truth... and use their power to bring this to an end, rather than being complicit in sustaining what is happening here". Earlier, a medical charity chief spoke out about the deaths of a doctor's nine children in an Israeli strike on Friday, and the "almost impossibility" of providing care in Gaza. Chris Lockyear - secretary general of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders - told Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips the bodies of nine of paediatrician Alaa al Najjar's 10 children arrived at the Nasser Medical Complex, in Khan Younis, while she was on shift. 6:31 Chief of US-backed aid group quits There has been mounting international condemnation of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has seen Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuse Western leaders including Sir Keir Starmer of siding with Hamas. Last Tuesday, the UK paused free trade talks with Israel, summoned its ambassador, and announced further sanctions against West Bank settlers. In recent days, Israel has allowed some aid trucks to enter Gaza after blocking the entry of medical, food, and fuel supplies since the start of March, which had prompted international experts to warn of looming famine. The head of a US-backed humanitarian organisation set up to transport aid as part of an Israeli plan - rather than a United Nations (UN) distribution effort - has since resigned. Jake Wood, a former US marine, said on Sunday the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation he led for the past two months cannot adhere to the "humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon". The foundation has maintained it will begin delivering aid from Monday, and aims to reach one million Palestinians before the end of the week. Israel has claimed previous UN aid deliveries have been stolen by Hamas fighters, but the UN believes the US-Israeli plans would only foment further violence and the forced relocation of Palestinians. What is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation? The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has been controversial from the start. It has been set up to provide food parcels to Gaza, from four hubs – three in the south and one in the centre. Israel says it is a way of getting aid to civilians whilst ensuring it doesn't end up in Hamas hands. They have promised to deliver 300 million meals within the first 90 days of operation. Aid organisations have refused to co-operate with it, questioning its credibility, independence, and motives and suggesting it might even breach international law. It's not clear where the funding for the foundation comes from and although it has been described as US-backed, investigations in the Washington Post and New York Times over the weekend alleged it was in fact an Israeli idea. Senior, respected humanitarians, like David Beasley the former head of the World Food Programme, have declined to put their names behind it. The positioning of the hubs has led to accusations of aiding ethnic cleansing by luring Gazans to the south if they want to get food. The security is being provided by private contractors – mercenaries – whose rules of engagement aren't clear. Now, in a bombshell announcement on the eve of the foundation becoming operational, the chief executive Jake Wood has resigned. Nevertheless, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has announced it will begin working today. Trump wants end to war Despite the warnings, Mr Netanyahu has vowed the whole of Gaza will be under Israel's control. Israel stepped up its military operations in early May, saying it was seeking to eliminate Hamas' military and governing capabilities and bring back the remaining hostages who were seized on 7 October 2023. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on that day, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping about 250 others. Israel's response has flattened large areas of Gaza and killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Sky News
26-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Israeli strike on Gaza school leaves at least 20 dead - as American aid chief quits
At least 20 people have been killed and dozens more injured after an Israeli airstrike targeting a school in Gaza, health authorities have said. Reuters news agency reported the number of dead, citing medics, with the school in the Daraj neighbourhood in Gaza City having been used to shelter displaced people who had fled previous bombardments. Medical and civil defence sources on the ground confirmed women and children were among the casualties, with several charred bodies arriving at al Shifa and al Ahli hospitals overnight into Monday. The scene inside the school has been described as horrific, with more victims feared trapped under the rubble. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. It comes as a British doctor working in Gaza has hit out at politicians who he accused of being "complicit" in the "ongoing slaughter and starvation" in the Palestinian territory. 1:11 'They have never smelt the rotting flesh' Tom Potokar, who is working at a hospital in Khan Younis, said the "political class… appear on the news shows, give interviews and try to justify what is happening, sitting in their offices, safe and sound, well fed and surrounded by all the luxuries of modern life". "They have no idea how dangerous their words are," he continued. "They have never been here, they've never seen with their own eyes what is going on, heard the screams, smelt the rotting flesh, shuddered from the constant bombardment." The medic added that if they spent "just one day here they would have the courage and the humanity to speak the truth... and use their power to bring this to an end, rather than being complicit in sustaining what is happening here". Earlier, a medical charity chief spoke out about the deaths of a doctor's nine children in an Israeli strike on Friday, and the "almost impossibility" of providing care in Gaza. Chris Lockyear - secretary general of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders - told Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips the bodies of nine of paediatrician Alaa al Najjar's 10 children arrived at the Nasser Medical Complex, in Khan Younis, while she was on shift. 6:31 Chief of US-backed aid group quits There has been mounting international condemnation of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has seen Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuse Western leaders including Sir Keir Starmer of siding with Hamas. Last Tuesday, the UK paused free trade talks with Israel, summoned its ambassador, and announced further sanctions against West Bank settlers. In recent days, Israel has allowed some aid trucks to enter Gaza after blocking the entry of medical, food, and fuel supplies since the start of March, which had prompted international experts to warn of looming famine. The head of a US-backed humanitarian organisation set up to transport aid as part of an Israeli plan - rather than a United Nations (UN) distribution effort - has since resigned. Jake Wood, a former US marine, said on Sunday the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation he led for the past two months cannot adhere to the "humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon". The foundation has maintained it will begin delivering aid from Monday, and aims to reach one million Palestinians before the end of the week. Israel has claimed previous UN aid deliveries have been stolen by Hamas fighters, but the UN believes the US-Israeli plans would only foment further violence and the forced relocation of Palestinians. Trump wants end to war Despite the warnings, Mr Netanyahu has vowed the whole of Gaza will be under Israel's control. Israel stepped up its military operations in early May, saying it was seeking to eliminate Hamas' military and governing capabilities and bring back the remaining hostages who were seized on 7 October 2023. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on that day, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping about 250 others. Israel's response has flattened large areas of Gaza and killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Sky News
26-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News
British surgeon in Gaza condemns 'complicit' politicians - as at least 20 reported dead in Israeli airstrike on school
At least 20 people have been killed and dozens more injured after an Israeli airstrike targeting a school in Gaza, health authorities have said. Reuters news agency reported the number of dead, citing medics, with the school in the Daraj neighbourhood in Gaza City having been used to shelter displaced people who had fled previous bombardments. Medical and civil defence sources on the ground confirmed women and children were among the casualties, with several charred bodies arriving at al Shifa and al Ahli hospitals overnight into Monday. The scene inside the school has been described as horrific, with more victims feared trapped under the rubble. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. It comes as a British doctor working in Gaza has hit out at politicians who he accused of being "complicit" in the "ongoing slaughter and starvation" in the Palestinian territory. 1:11 'They have never smelt the rotting flesh' Tom Potokar, who is working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, said the "political class… appear on the news shows, give interviews and try to justify what is happening, sitting in their offices, safe and sound, well fed and surrounded by all the luxuries of modern life". "They have no idea how dangerous their words are," he continued. "They have never been here, they've never seen with their own eyes what is going on, heard the screams, smelt the rotting flesh, shuddered from the constant bombardment." The medic added that if they spent "just one day here they would have the courage and the humanity to speak the truth... and use their power to bring this to an end, rather than being complicit in sustaining what is happening here". Earlier, a medical charity chief spoke out about the deaths of a doctor's nine children in an Israeli strike on Friday, and the "almost impossibility" of providing care in Gaza. Chris Lockyear - secretary general of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders - told Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips the bodies of nine of paediatrician Alaa al Najjar's 10 children arrived at the Nasser Medical Complex, in the city of Khan Younis, while she was on shift. 6:31 Chief of US-backed aid group quits There has been mounting international condemnation of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has seen Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuse Western leaders including Sir Keir Starmer of siding with Hamas. Last Tuesday, the UK paused free trade talks with Israel, summoned its ambassador, and announced further sanctions against West Bank settlers. In recent days, Israel has allowed some aid trucks to enter Gaza after blocking the entry of medical, food, and fuel supplies since the start of March, which had prompted international experts to warn of looming famine. The head of a US-backed humanitarian organisation set up to transport aid as part of an Israeli plan - rather than a United Nations (UN) distribution effort - has since resigned. Jake Wood said on Sunday the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation he led for the past two months cannot adhere to the "humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon". The foundation was meant to lead a joint US-Israeli operation to deliver aid in Gaza starting this week. Israel has claimed previous UN aid deliveries have been stolen by Hamas fighters. The UN believes the US-Israeli plans would only foment further violence and the forced relocation of Palestinians. Trump wants end to war Despite the warnings, Mr Netanyahu has vowed the whole of Gaza will be under Israel's control. Israel stepped up its military operations in early May, saying it was seeking to eliminate Hamas' military and governing capabilities and bring back the remaining hostages who were seized on 7 October 2023. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on that day, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping about 250 others. Israel's response has flattened large areas of Gaza and killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Speaking on Sunday, Donald Trump repeated his desire to "see if we can stop" what is happening - but did not criticise Mr Netanyahu or the Israeli military campaign.
