Israel Urges Journalists to Leave Areas Under Fire, Including Wherever They’re Standing Right Now

In a new statement, the Israeli military has politely suggested that Palestinian journalists immediately vacate any location that could be bombed—including the exact spot where they are standing, the place they might head next, and any location they briefly considered ducking into for cover.

“Remaining in these zones makes you a target,” the army explained, noting that stressed and overtired soldiers have been known to shoot indiscriminately, sometimes even at escaped prisoners, and “are unlikely to hesitate when confronted with the word *Press* in 72-point font.”

Failure to comply, the statement added, would be interpreted as “direct alignment with the enemy” or “walking the wrong way through a stream of bullets,” which officials warned carries consequences the army simply cannot be expected to keep track of, given how often such incidents occur.

As a compromise, the military announced that journalists may continue working safely under official protection—once they complete the standard “safe coverage” consent form. The form asks straightforward questions, such as: Do you plan to film anything? Do you believe this might be newsworthy? What is your personal definition of the truth?

Alternatively, the Israeli military has suggested leaving Gaza and Palestine entirely, proposing places like Cyprus—but not Syria or Lebanon—as potentially safer havens.