(Reuters) - Israel's military has told international news organisations Reuters and Agence France Presse that it cannot guarantee the safety of their journalists operating in the Gaza Strip, under Israeli bombardment and siege for almost three weeks.
"The IDF is targeting all Hamas military activity throughout Gaza," the IDF letter said, adding that Hamas deliberately put military operations "in the vicinity of journalists and civilians".
"Under these circumstances, we cannot guarantee your employees' safety, and strongly urge you to take all necessary measures for their safety," the IDF letter concluded.
Hamas did not immediately comment when asked about the IDF’s allegation that it put military operations near where journalists in Gaza are known to be based.
Reuters and AFP said they were very concerned about the safety of journalists in Gaza.
Persons:
Phil Chetwynd, Chetwynd, Mark Bendeich, Edward Tobin
Organizations:
Reuters, Agence France Presse, Hamas, Israel Defense Forces, AFP, IDF, Israel, AFP Global, Protect Journalists
Locations:
Gaza, Palestinian, Israel, Lebanon