Journalists in Gaza Face Starvation Amid Ongoing Conflict

Tel Aviv, July 24 (AP) – Four major news organizations reported on Thursday that their journalists in Gaza are at risk of starvation as the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, a top U.S. envoy, is set to meet with key Middle East negotiators to discuss the latest ceasefire proposal and the release of hostages.

"We are deeply concerned for our journalists in Gaza who are increasingly struggling to provide for themselves and their families," stated a joint declaration from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Reuters, and the BBC. "For many months, these independent journalists have served as the global community's eyes and ears on the ground in Gaza. Now, they are experiencing the same severe hardships as those they report on." The statement urged Israel to permit journalists to enter and exit Gaza and to ensure that sufficient food supplies reach the area.

This statement followed an appeal from over 100 charity and human rights organizations, highlighting that Israel's blockade and ongoing military actions are driving Palestinians in the Gaza Strip towards starvation.

Throughout the 21-month conflict, Israel has restricted international media from independently entering Gaza.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza, initiated as a response to Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. This figure does not differentiate between militants and civilians, though the ministry suggests that more than half of the casualties are women and children. (AP)

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