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AFP calls for evacuation of journalists from Gaza

Agence France-Presse seeks Israeli permission for its journalists to leave Gaza amid hunger crisis.

July 22, 2025 at 08:02 PM
blur France's AFP calls on Israel to let hungry journalists out of Gaza : NPR

French news agency Agence France-Presse has called on Israel to allow its journalists in Gaza to evacuate due to hunger.

AFP urges Israel to evacuate journalists facing hunger in Gaza

Agence France-Presse has called on the Israeli government to allow its freelance journalists to leave the Gaza Strip amid worsening hunger conditions. Phil Chetwynd, the global news director for AFP, mentioned that journalists are struggling to find food and are experiencing severe physical weaknesses. This appeal came after the journalists' union expressed alarm over the dire situation, noting that hunger has led to significant challenges, including reports of colleagues lacking the strength to work. The call for evacuation gained momentum as hunger deepens for the approximately 2 million people in Gaza, with many facing severe food shortages and malnutrition. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that malnourishment is rising rapidly, warning that starvation is imminent. Amid these challenges, the impact on independent reporting from Gaza raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the region.

Key Takeaways

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AFP demands evacuation of journalists from Gaza due to hunger.
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Freelance journalists describe physical weakness from lack of food.
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Malnutrition among Gazans has become a severe crisis.
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U.N. warns that starvation is becoming a stark reality.
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Impact on journalism could lead to a loss of transparency.
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Silencing journalists poses risks for global accountability.

"They're spending so much time and energy trying to source food and also just they just feel so weak."

Phil Chetwynd describes the struggles of journalists in Gaza as they seek food.

"None of us can ever remember seeing colleagues die of hunger."

AFP's Society of Journalists expresses deep concern over hunger affecting journalists.

"Silencing journalists under these conditions is not simply a media freedom issue—it's a crisis of global accountability."

Sara Qudah from CPJ highlights the wider implications of restricting journalist access.

"It is a reminder of the work that those journalists who have stayed in Gaza, those Palestinians who have stayed in Gaza, are putting their lives on the line to report."

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasizes the risks journalists face while reporting in Gaza.

This appeal from AFP highlights not just the urgent need for the safe evacuation of journalists but also the broader implications for press freedom in conflict areas. With a substantial number of journalists already killed while covering events in Gaza, the threat of starvation adds another layer of danger to those still trying to report. The silence from the Israeli government regarding this distressing situation underscores the precarious balance between security and the rights of the press. The absence of independent reporting can lead to a distorted picture of events, preventing the international community from understanding the reality in Gaza. As the situation escalates, the call for access to the media stays critical to ensure accountability and keep the plight of civilians visible.

Highlights

  • Hunger silences the voices that need to be heard.
  • Every moment counts for journalists in Gaza.
  • Their lives are on the line while they report the truth.
  • Access to information is a right that should be upheld.

Risk of information blackout in Gaza due to hunger and violence

The severe lack of food and the threat of violence against journalists may lead to a significant gap in independent reporting. As these journalists face starvation and physical challenges while covering a humanitarian crisis, the risk of losing a vital source of information is high. This situation raises alarming questions about accountability and transparency in conflict zones.

The situation remains critical as the world watches and hopes for a resolution that prioritizes press freedom.

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