Reuters and AP outraged at journalists' killings in Gaza, demand Israeli government explanation

The strongly worded statement from Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni and AP Executive Editor Julie Pace also raised “serious questions” about whether Israel was deliberately suppressing information from Gaza.

“We are outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of this strike on the hospital, a location that is protected under international law,” the joint statement said.

“We are writing to demand a clear explanation,” it added. “We hope this probe will be quick, thorough and provide clear answers. These deaths demand urgent and transparent accountability.”

Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, and AP freelancer Mariam Dagga, were among 20 people, including three other journalists, killed on Monday in the Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist who had done occasional work for both AP and Reuters, was also killed, and photographer Hatem Khaled, a Reuters contractor, was wounded.

Galloni and Pace noted that the IDF had acknowledged conducting the strikes and announced an investigation. But they said similar probes had previously come to nothing and this raised concerns about deliberate targeting to prevent live broadcasts.

“Unfortunately, we have found the IDF's willingness and ability to investigate itself in past incidents to rarely result in clarity and action, raising serious questions including whether Israel is deliberately targeting live feeds in order to suppress information.” 

The news agency chiefs said the local journalists were doing “critical work bearing witness” to the conflict in Gaza and they called on the Israeli government to lift its nearly two-year ban on international journalists entering the territory.

The statement also urged the Israeli government to ensure press freedom and protection and for the IDF to adhere to international law to protect civilians and journalists.

The statement was addressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Director of the Government Press Office Nitzan Chen.

There was no immediate news of a response. ■