Mediterranean journalist group condemns attacks on reporters in Gaza

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Alliance of Mediterranean News Agencies (AMAN) demanded safety and free access for reporters Thursday as the death toll among journalists covering the Palestine-Israeli conflict in Gaza nears 20.

AMAN expressed sorrow and concern about the tragic attacks against journalists and urged “all sides involved in this conflict to protect journalists, photo-reporters and TV crews and facilitate them in reporting from conflict zones.”

At least 19 journalists are among the more than 5,100 dead on both sides since the war began on Oct. 7, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

AMAN strongly condemned an attack on the house of an Anadolu photojournalist, the killing of reporters, including a Reuters video journalist and attacks on Palestinian journalists and those from AFP and Al Jazeera

“AMAN joins forces with other news agency alliances and media groups in protecting the free press coverage and the safety of journalists in war-torn areas,” it said in a statement.

At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since the latest conflict began, according to the Palestine Health Ministry in Gaza on Thursday.

It said more than 12,000 victims have also been injured.

The ministry put the Palestinian death toll in the occupied West Bank at 69, with 1,300 injured.

Israel has launched non-stop airstrikes on the Gaza Strip after Hamas attacked Israeli border towns.

More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”