A bunch of journalists on the Agence France-Presse information company is sounding the alarm about situations confronted by colleagues working in Gaza, saying that “without immediate intervention, the last reporters in Gaza will die.”
In a war-torn territory the place Israel typically forbids exterior journalists to enter, worldwide information organizations like AFP, The Related Press and Reuters depend on native groups to get out the information. They’ve been hampered by security issues and starvation in Gaza, the place an estimated 59,000 folks have died within the 21-month battle, in response to native well being authorities.
The Society of Journalists at AFP, an affiliation of execs on the information company, detailed what their Gaza colleagues are dealing with. AFP’s administration stated Tuesday that it shares issues in regards to the “appalling” state of affairs and is working to evacuate its freelancers and their households.
“For months, we have watched helplessly as their living conditions deteriorated dramatically,” AFP stated in a press release. “Their situation is now untenable, despite their exemplary courage, professional commitment, and resilience.”
One in every of AFP’s photographers, recognized as Bashar, despatched a message on social media over the weekend that “I no longer have the strength to work for the media. My body is thin and I can’t work anymore.”
Bashar has been working for AFP since 2010. Since February, he’s been dwelling within the ruins of his residence in Gaza Metropolis along with his mom and different relations, and stated one among his brothers had died of starvation, in response to the journalists’ group.
The journalists obtain a month-to-month wage from AFP, however exorbitant costs go away them unable to buy a lot meals.
One other AFP employee, Ahlam, stated that each time she leaves her shelter to cowl an occasion or do an interview, “I don’t know if I’ll come back alive.” Her largest concern is the dearth of meals and water, she stated.
Since AFP was based in 1944, the Society of Journalists stated that “we have lost journalists in conflicts, some have been injured, others taken prisoner. But none of us can ever remember seeing colleagues die of hunger.”
“We refuse to watch them die,” the society stated.
AFP has been working with one freelance author, three photographers, and 6 freelance videographers in Gaza since its workers journalists left in 2024. Representatives for the AP and Reuters additionally expressed concern for his or her groups there, however wouldn’t say how many individuals are working for them.
“We are deeply concerned about our staff in Gaza and are doing everything in our power to support them,” stated Lauren Easton, a spokeswoman for The Related Press. “We are very proud of the work our team continues to do under dire circumstances to keep the world informed about what is happening on the ground.”
Reuters stated that it’s in each day contact with its freelance journalists, and that “the extreme difficulty sourcing food is leading to their and all Gaza residents experiencing greater levels of hunger and illness.”
The company stated it’s offering more money to assist them. “Should they with to leave the territory, we will provide any assistance to help get them out,” Reuters stated.
David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Comply with him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social.
