Why were news offices destroyed, asks media
News organisations demanded an explanation Saturday for an Israeli airstrike that targeted and destroyed a Gaza City building housing the offices of The Associated Press, broadcaster Al-Jazeera and other media outlets.
AP journalists and other tenants were safely evacuated from the 12-storey alJalaa tower after the Israeli military warned of an imminent strike.
Three heavy missiles hit the building within the hour, disrupting coverage of the ongoing conflict between Gaza’s Hamas rulers and Israel.
At least 145 people in Gaza and eight in Israel have been killed since the fighting erupted on Monday night.
“The world will know less about what is happening in Gaza because of what happened today,” AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt said.
He said the American news agency was seeking information from the Israeli government and engaging with the US State Department to learn more.
Mostefa Souag, director-general of acting Al-Jazeera
Media Network, called the strike a “war crime” and a “clear act” to stop journalists from reporting on the conflict. Kuwait state television also had office space in the now-collapsed Gaza City building.
“The targeting of news organisations is completely unacceptable, even during an armed conflict. It represents a gross violation of human rights and internationally agreed norms,” Barbara Trionfi, the executive director of the International Press Institute, said.