ISTANBUL, July 23 – AFP management has announced plans to evacuate its journalists working in Gaza, following a warning from the journalists’ association over the risk of starvation amid the ongoing Israeli blockade and airstrikes, Anadolu news agency reported.
“Their lives are in danger, and we therefore urge the Israeli authorities to allow their immediate evacuation along with their families,” French news agency management wrote on X on Monday, voicing “deep concern” over the “horrific situation faced by its collaborators in the Gaza Strip.”
Reaffirming that they managed to evacuate eight staff members and their families from Gaza between January and April 2024, AFP noted that they will take the same steps for their freelance contributors.
“For months, we have helplessly witnessed the dramatic deterioration of their living conditions. Their situation is now unbearable, despite their exemplary courage, professional commitment, and resilience,” it said.
The announcement followed the warning issued by AFP journalists’ association SDJ over the extreme food shortages and starvation risks faced by the journalists in Gaza.
“Since AFP was founded in August 1944, we have lost journalists in conflicts, we have had wounded and prisoners in our ranks, but none of us can recall seeing a colleague die of hunger,” the association said in a post on X.
Since March 2, Israel has sealed all crossings into Gaza, halting the entry of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid.
Gaza’s Health Ministry said Israel’s deliberate starvation policy has led to the deaths of 86 Palestinians, including 76 children, since October 2023 due to hunger and malnutrition.
