UK urges all parties in Gaza conflict 'to avoid deliberate attacks on journalists'

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – Following an attack on Anadolu photojournalist Mustafa Alkharouf by Israeli forces in East Jerusalem, the UK on Friday urged "all parties to avoid deliberate attacks on journalists.”

Journalists carry out crucial work in disseminating accurate and impartial information during a time of crisis, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson told Anadolu.

“Journalists covering conflicts are afforded protection under humanitarian law and we urge all parties to avoid deliberate attacks against them and only detain them on justified grounds,” the spokesperson added.

The Israeli army on Friday violently attacked Anadolu photojournalist Mustafa Alkharouf, who had been on duty in the occupied East Jerusalem before he was hospitalized.

The incident occurred as a group of Palestinians gathered in the Wadi al-Joz neighborhood near the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque to pray, as restrictions imposed by the Israeli army on Friday prayers at the mosque went into their 10th week.