The AFP Journalists‘ Association has sounded the alarm, warning that its journalists working in Gaza are at risk of starving to death due to the dire humanitarian situation. A freelancer working for the French news agency posted a heart-wrenching message on social media, saying, “I don’t have the strength to work for the media. My body is thin and I can’t work.” This poignant cry for help highlights the extreme challenges faced by journalists in Gaza, who are struggling to survive amid the ongoing conflict.
The AFP association emphasized that most of its workers in the Strip have been pushed to the brink, with many lacking the physical capacity to perform their jobs. The situation is deteriorating rapidly, with the association noting that “their heartbreaking calls for help are now daily.” Despite receiving a monthly salary, the journalists are unable to access basic necessities due to exorbitant prices or scarcity of goods.
The association expressed its deep concern, stating, “We risk learning of their deaths at any moment, and this is unbearable for us.” The thought of losing colleagues to starvation is unprecedented and unacceptable, according to the association. “Since AFP was founded in August 1944, we have lost journalists in conflicts, we have had wounded and prisoners in our ranks, but none of us can remember seeing a colleague die of hunger. We refuse to see them die.”
The dire situation faced by AFP journalists in Gaza underscores the broader humanitarian crisis in the region. The conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians, including journalists, who are struggling to survive amid the chaos. The AFP association’s warning highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and support to those affected by the conflict, including journalists who are risking their lives to report on the situation [1].