Inside AFP

AFP staff members gathered at the Paris headquarters and several offices around the world, symbolically holding pictures of their nine Gazan colleagues. The initiative was organised by the Agency's management along with unions and the French Society of Journalists. 

“The AFP newsroom wanted to express its whole-hearted support for our Gaza colleagues who are working in dire conditions and under constant fear of bombardment,” said Phil Chetwynd, AFP's Global News Director. 
 

“We are humbled by their professionalism and commitment to do their jobs to the very best of their abilities,” added Mr. Chetwynd. “Not only are they trying to report on the story around them, they are also having to seek food and shelter for their families as the humanitarian situation becomes more desperate every day.”   

The group of AFP employees in Gaza includes journalists Mahmud Hams, Yahya Hassouna, Bilal al-Sabbagh, Mohammed Abed, Saïd Khatib, Adel Zaanounn, Mai Yaghi, technician Ahmed Eissa and office manager Mohanad Shahwan. 
 

“We reiterate our call to the Israeli authorities to ensure that journalists working in Gaza are protected and allowed to work in safety and security. Too many colleagues have been killed and injured,” emphasised Chetwynd.  

“It is also essential that all journalists be allowed to freely leave and enter the Gaza Strip. Some of our staff and their families have suffered real trauma. They have lost friends and family, and seen their houses destroyed. They need to get to safety,” he added.