Gaza reporting

Reuters surely must have a good reason for abstaining from the appeal by scores of international media for access to Gaza, and we should hear it.

Otherwise, the decision is hard to understand. Reuters has first class Palestinian reporters, photographers and camera operators in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, working bravely and exhaustively to get the truth out. Their work has brought distinction to the Reuters file, but they have been accused often of bias - and attacked physically - by elements who cannot abide exposure.

Because they are Palestinians who suffer alongside other civilians, local journalists are easy targets for accusations of slanted reporting.

Reinforcement by foreign-based journalists with no skin in the game could only support - and be seen to support - their work as well as providing them with physical and moral backing in one of the most dangerous war theatres on earth. ■