The Agence France-Presse (AFP) has issued an urgent appeal to Israeli authorities, urging them to facilitate the safe evacuation of its freelance journalists currently operating in Gaza. The news agency expressed grave concerns over the escalating violence in the region, which has put media personnel at significant risk.
In a statement released on Monday, AFP emphasised the critical need to protect journalists covering the conflict, many of whom are local freelancers with limited resources to ensure their own safety. The agency highlighted that these contributors play a vital role in delivering accurate and timely news from the ground.
Growing Safety Concerns
The ongoing hostilities in Gaza have created an increasingly perilous environment for reporters. AFP noted that its freelancers have faced life-threatening situations while attempting to document the crisis. The agency stressed that immediate action is required to prevent further harm to media workers.
International Calls for Protection
AFP's appeal aligns with broader international calls for the protection of journalists in conflict zones. Media freedom organisations have repeatedly warned about the dangers faced by reporters in Gaza, where access to basic safety measures is often severely restricted.
The agency has called for coordinated efforts to ensure the safe passage of its contributors out of the conflict area, underscoring the importance of press freedom even in the most challenging circumstances.
