Israel slammed for strike on AP, Al Jazeera Gaza offices in attack on Hamas
White House calls on Israel, urging that the "safety and security of journalists and independent media is a paramount responsibility."
By ZACHARY KEYSER
MAY 16, 2021
Israel came under heavy criticism on Saturday for striking a 12-story tower in Gaza housing the offices of foreign media affiliates such as the Associated Press, Al Jazeera and other news outlets. The United States government, AP and Al Jazeera each publicly expressed their concerns with the operation moments after the strike. The IAF struck the high-rise building, which also housed a number of apartments and various offices, because it contained “military assets of the military intelligence” of Hamas hiding under the guise of the foreign media outlets, an IDF spokesperson said.
“The building housed the offices of civilian media, which the terrorist organization Hamas hides behind and uses as human shields,” the IDF said in a statement. "The terror organization Hamas deliberately places its military assets in the heart of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. Prior to the attack, the IDF warned the civilians who were in the building and gave them sufficient time to evacuate.” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the United States had contacted Israel, imploring them to ensure the "safety and security of journalists" after the high-rise was destroyed.
more.............. https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-...utrage-after-offices-in-gaza-destroyed-668260
White House calls on Israel, urging that the "safety and security of journalists and independent media is a paramount responsibility."
By ZACHARY KEYSER
MAY 16, 2021
Israel came under heavy criticism on Saturday for striking a 12-story tower in Gaza housing the offices of foreign media affiliates such as the Associated Press, Al Jazeera and other news outlets. The United States government, AP and Al Jazeera each publicly expressed their concerns with the operation moments after the strike. The IAF struck the high-rise building, which also housed a number of apartments and various offices, because it contained “military assets of the military intelligence” of Hamas hiding under the guise of the foreign media outlets, an IDF spokesperson said.
“The building housed the offices of civilian media, which the terrorist organization Hamas hides behind and uses as human shields,” the IDF said in a statement. "The terror organization Hamas deliberately places its military assets in the heart of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. Prior to the attack, the IDF warned the civilians who were in the building and gave them sufficient time to evacuate.” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the United States had contacted Israel, imploring them to ensure the "safety and security of journalists" after the high-rise was destroyed.
more.............. https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-...utrage-after-offices-in-gaza-destroyed-668260
