The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has said it is “highly alarmed” by widespread reports of a communications blackout in Gaza.

“A communications blackout is a news blackout. This can lead to serious consequences with an independent, factual information vacuum that can be filled with deadly propaganda, dis- and misinformation,” it said in a statement.

CPJ reminded all the parties involved that journalists were civilians and should be respected and protected.

“At this dark hour, we stand with journalists, with those truth seekers whose daily work keeps us informed with facts that shed light on the human condition and help to hold power to account,” it added.