AFP journalists world wide organized rallies on Wednesday to indicate solidarity with 9 colleagues in Gaza, with company heads calling on Israel to ensure their security and permit them to depart the war-torn space.
Journalists and different AFP employees in Paris and workplaces inside AFP’s international community gathered with portraits of colleagues from Gaza who’ve been unable to depart because the Hamas assaults on Israel on October 7.
The demonstration was organized by AFP administration, along with commerce unions and the Journalists’ Affiliation (SDJ).
“The AFP newsroom wished to precise its honest help for our colleagues in Gaza who’re working in dire situations and beneath fixed worry of bombing,” AFP World Information Director Phil Chetwynd mentioned in an announcement.
“We’re humbled by their professionalism and dedication to doing their job to the very best of their potential,” mentioned Chetwynd.
“Not solely are they attempting to report on the story round them, they’re additionally having to search out meals and shelter for his or her households because the humanitarian scenario turns into extra determined day by day.”
AFP workers in Gaza embrace journalists Mahmoud Hams, Yahya Hassouna, Bilal al-Sabbagh, Mohammed Abed, Stated Khatib, Adel Zaanounn, Mai Yaghi, technician Ahmed Eissa and workplace supervisor Mohanad Shahwan. The workforce additionally consists of freelance videographer Youssef Hassouna and administrator Zuhair Abuatila.
“We reiterate our name on the Israeli authorities to make sure that journalists working in Gaza are protected and might work in security. Too many colleagues have been killed and injured,” mentioned Chetwynd.
“It is usually important that every one journalists can freely depart and enter the Gaza Strip. A few of our workers and their households have suffered actual trauma. They’ve misplaced family and friends and seen their houses destroyed. They have to get to security. ,” he added.
“Each morning and all day we’re afraid to listen to the worst” from Gaza, mentioned SDJ chairman Emmanuel Duparcq. “That’s unacceptable for us as colleagues and as journalists.”
The AFP workplace in Gaza was severely broken in an Israeli military assault in early November.
The United Nations Human Rights Commissioner has expressed concern in regards to the excessive demise toll amongst media staff in Gaza.
Not less than 81 journalists have been killed in Israeli strikes within the space because the October 7 assault, in accordance with Reporters With out Borders (RSF). Of these, 18 have been working on the time of their demise.
On January 9, Israel’s Supreme Court docket rejected a request from worldwide media free of charge entry to Gaza.
The combating was sparked by Hamas militants’ assault on southern Israel, the worst because the nation’s founding in 1948. About 1,140 folks have been killed within the assault, most of them civilians, in accordance with an AFP rely primarily based on Israeli Numbers.
The Hamas-run Well being Ministry in Gaza mentioned on Wednesday that 24,448 folks have been killed there within the warfare Israel launched in response, greater than 70 % of them ladies, kids and adolescents.
