The Agence France Presse (AFP) association of journalists (SDJ) said reporters posted in Gaza working for the news agency were facing starvation due to food shortages and the ongoing blockade.
“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,” they wrote on July 21.
They told the story of their journalist Bashar, who has been collaborating with AFP since 2010.
“Since February, Bashar has been living in the ruins of his house in Gaza City with his mother, four siblings, and the family of one of his brothers. On Sunday morning, he reported that his eldest brother ‘collapsed from hunger’,” SDJ reported.
It also referred to the case of another reporter, Ahlam: “She confirms that the biggest problem is the lack of food and water.”
The SDJ pointed out that despite the monthly salary AFP paid its journalists in Gaza, they were unable to buy anything, citing exorbitant prices and shortages.
“The reporters travel on foot or by donkey cart,” it said.
“Without immediate intervention, the last reporters in Gaza will die.”
The AFP‘s management called for the “immediate evacuation” of the journalists.
“For months, we have been helplessly witnessing the dramatic deterioration of their living conditions,” the agency said.
“Since October 7, Israel has banned access to the Gaza Strip for all international journalists. In this context, the work of our Palestinian freelancers is crucial for informing the world. But their lives are in danger, so we urgently call on the Israeli authorities to authorise their immediate evacuation with their families,” it added.
On July 22, France’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the French Government was “devoting a great deal of effort and energy” to helping journalists already on the ground and facing famine.
“We hope to be able to get some of our journalists out in the next few weeks,“ he told French media after being asked about the situation of several AFP staff on the ground.
