Like Israel, South Africa's apartheid regime banned foreign journalists. It's harder to hide the truth now
In 1986, I was deported by South Africa's regime for reporting on the anti-apartheid struggle. Today, Israel's government is also trying to control what the world sees about its actions in Gaza – yet the truth has a way of breaking through
The aftermath of an anti-apartheid riot, in July 1985. When everyone has a cellphone and can upload images to social media, any attempt to block journalistic coverage is doomed. Credit: Gideon Mendel / AFP
In 1986, I was deported by South Africa's regime for reporting on the anti-apartheid struggle. Today, Israel's government is also trying to control what the world sees about its actions in Gaza – yet the truth has a way of breaking through
03:47 PM • December 25 2025 IST
In early March, the Israeli government made a cruel decision: to stop the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, claiming that "Hamas' refusal to accept the Witkoff Plan" left it no choice. The attempt to starve the civilian population as a bargaining tool failed resoundingly: Within a short time, food warehouses emptied out and hunger began to spread throughout the Strip. Horrific images of starving civilians, including young children, were disseminated around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump was forced to intervene and to pressure Israel to restore the supply of aid and to strive to end the war.
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Like Israel, South Africa Once Banned Foreign Press. It's Harder to Hide the Truth Now
