Dozens of journalists have tragically died in the Gaza Strip since the war in the Middle East began on October 7. The United States now warns that protecting journalists must be the top priority.
In a letter to news agency AFP, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote that the “US has emphasized and will continue to emphasize to Israel and all other countries the need to protect journalists from harm.”
Media asked the US Secretary of State for help
AFP and other media outlets wrote a letter to the US Secretary of State in October asking him to help protect them following the deaths of several journalists in the Gaza Strip. “We unequivocally stand up for the protection of journalists during armed conflict and mourn those who have been killed or injured,” Blinken continued.
At least 63 journalists and other media workers have been killed since the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant organization Hamas began in October, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists: 56 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese.
Evacuation support
In their letter, AFP and other media also called on Blinken to help them evacuate their workers from the Gaza Strip. After the major attack by Hamas, Israel ordered the closure of the borders of the Palestinian territory.
To the background
Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, carrying out the worst attack on the country since the state’s founding 75 years ago. According to Israeli figures, about 1,200 people were killed in the Gaza Strip and about 240 people were taken hostage, most of them civilians.
Israel responded by bombing targets in the Gaza Strip and launching a ground offensive and announced it would destroy Hamas. Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip killed more than 18,400 people, most of them women and children, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.
The safe exit of foreigners is a top priority
“The safe exit of American citizens and aliens from the Gaza Strip remains our top priority, and we are working with Egypt, the UN and Israel to facilitate their safe exit from Gaza,” Blinken said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
