As the conflict between Hamas and Israel enters its 22nd day, the Israeli military has intensified its attacks on civilians in Gaza.
Following requests from journalists in Gaza for assurances that they would not be targeted by Israeli strikes, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) sent letters to AFP and Reuters.
The letter, which stated that "the IDF is targeting all of Hamas's military activities in Gaza," claimed that Hamas intentionally conducts its military operations "in the vicinity of journalists and civilians."
“WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THE SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS”
The IDF further stated that high-intensity attacks on Hamas targets could cause damage to surrounding buildings and that Hamas rockets could also misfire, killing people in Gaza.
The IDF's letter concluded by stating, "Under these circumstances, we cannot guarantee the safety of your employees, and we strongly urge you to take all necessary measures for their safety."
STATEMENT FROM REUTERS AND AFP: WE ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED
Reuters and AFP announced that they are deeply concerned about the safety of journalists in Gaza.
In a statement issued after receiving the Israeli military's letter, Reuters said, "The situation on the ground is dire, and the IDF's unwillingness to provide assurances about the safety of our staff threatens their ability to report on this conflict without fear of being injured or killed."
AFP Global News Director Phil Chetwynd also confirmed that the news organization had received the same letter.
Chetwynd stated, "We are in an incredibly dangerous situation, and it is important for the world to understand that there is a large team of journalists working in extremely dangerous conditions."
AT LEAST 27 JOURNALISTS KILLED SINCE OCTOBER 7
The Committee to Protect Journalists announced that at least 27 journalists have been killed since the start of the war, the majority of whom were in Gaza, as well as in Israel and Southern Lebanon.
News Source: 12punto
