AFP Urges Israel to Evacuate Freelance Journalists from Gaza Amid Crisis

In a fervent appeal, the Agence France-Presse (AFP) has called on the Israeli government to facilitate the immediate evacuation of its freelance journalists and their families from the Gaza Strip, citing dire conditions exacerbated by a protracted conflict. This demand comes in the wake of a 21-month conflict that erupted following Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, severely affecting the well-being of its residents, including journalists.

The situation for AFP's freelancers has become increasingly untenable, with reports indicating that many are suffering from starvation and a lack of access to clean water. In a statement released on July 22, 2025, AFP described the conditions as "appalling," with multiple freelancers stating they have been forced to reduce their work due to debilitating hunger. Khadr al-Zanoun, an AFP journalist based in Gaza City, highlighted his struggle, stating, "Since the war began, I’ve lost about 30kg (66lbs) and become skeletal compared to how I looked before the war. I now barely manage to complete one report per day due to extreme physical and mental fatigue and near-delirium."

The ongoing war has left international journalists barred from entering Gaza, leading many news agencies, including Reuters and AFP, to rely heavily on local freelancers for news coverage. However, these journalists now face extreme challenges, with witnesses and local organizations alleging that Israeli forces have targeted aid seekers, further complicating the humanitarian situation. According to the United Nations, Israeli actions have resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians attempting to obtain food since late May 2025.

Despite Israel's claims of allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, the reality on the ground suggests a severe scarcity of resources. The UN has condemned what it describes as the "weaponization of food" by Israel, characterizing it as a potential war crime. Aid agencies have raised alarms over rising malnutrition rates and deteriorating living standards among Gaza's population.

In response to the exacerbating conditions, AFP stated it successfully evacuated eight staff members and their families from Gaza between January and April 2024. However, the agency continues to face significant obstacles in securing safe passage for its freelancers, who are trapped under a strict blockade.

Bashar Taleb, another AFP contributor and Pulitzer Prize nominee, expressed his despair, saying, "I feel for the first time utterly defeated emotionally. I’ve tried so much, knocked on many doors to save my family from starvation, constant displacement and persistent fear but so far to no avail." Taleb described the traumatic experience of searching for food amidst the ruins of his bombed-out home in Jabalia al-Nazla.

Omar al-Qattaa, also a Pulitzer nominee, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the physical toll of carrying heavy equipment while dealing with hunger has made it increasingly difficult to cover news stories. "We can’t even reach coverage sites because we have no energy left due to hunger and lack of food," he lamented.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to unfold, the international community remains divided on the responsibilities of the Israeli government and the actions of Hamas. While AFP and other organizations call for immediate action to protect journalists and civilians alike, the prospects for improvement appear grim. The situation underscores the critical need for international oversight and intervention to safeguard human rights and ensure the safety of journalists working in conflict zones.

The implications of this crisis extend beyond the immediate suffering of individuals. As local journalists struggle to report on the ongoing conflict, the global community's understanding of the situation becomes increasingly obscured, highlighting the urgent need for safe channels of information and humanitarian assistance in war-torn regions.