On 1 September, over 150 media outlets across 50 countries are expected to take part in a so-called “media blackout.” The campaign, led by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Avaaz, claims to be a stand for press freedom. In reality, it is a coordinated propaganda stunt — designed to delegitimise Israel, whitewash Hamas, and build pressure on governments ahead of UN General Assembly votes on Palestinian statehood later this month.
How the Campaign Came About
The “blackout” was conceived by RSF and Avaaz months ago. The timing is no accident: it is engineered to coincide with UNGA, ensuring that NGO talking points echo across global headlines just as diplomats debate recognition of Palestine. Participating outlets — many already aligned with RSF and Avaaz — have agreed to run near-identical material, turning what should be independent journalism into a mass copy-paste operation.
What WBII is Doing
WBII, together with countless activists and partner organisations, is leading the global counter-campaign. Our aim is twofold:
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Expose the manipulation — so the public understands this is not journalism but theatre.
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Equip policymakers — so decision-makers are not swayed by distorted claims at a critical diplomatic moment.
To this end, we have produced two key interventions:
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A briefing paper for Westminster, distributed to MPs and peers, setting out the facts behind the “blackout” and highlighting the dangers of adopting its narrative.
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An op-ed for our wider community, which we invite you to read and share, ensuring supporters are armed with clear arguments to counter the campaign online and offline.
The Arguments in Our Brief
The Westminster brief dismantles the central claims of the campaign:
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The “210 journalists” narrative: RSF and Avaaz include Hamas and PIJ operatives who livestreamed the October 7 massacres or doubled as fighters. Labelling combatants as “journalists” is a deliberate distortion.
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“Without precedent” press restrictions: Gaza access rules mirror international practice in urban warfare. Comparable restrictions were enforced in Mosul, Fallujah, and Marawi — yet only Israel is singled out.
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“Last truth-tellers left”: This ignores the reality that Hamas tightly controls reporting in Gaza, silencing journalists through threats, torture, and censorship. Local reporters cannot freely publish without risk of reprisal.
The brief concludes that the “media blackout” is not about defending press freedom but about waging an information war on Israel. By amplifying Hamas’s narrative, participating outlets lend ideological cover to a proscribed terrorist organisation and distort the diplomatic debate.
Our Goal
WBII’s goal is simple: to pre-empt and deflate the blackout before it launches, ensuring its claims are seen for what they are — propaganda, not journalism. With your support, we can ensure that this campaign fails to sway public opinion or policymakers at this critical moment.
150 outlets. 50 countries. One script.
WBII is determined to make sure the world sees through it.
