RISKY JOB. A US official said the death and injuries of reporters in the Israel shelling is a reminder of how dangerous the journalism profession is. A group of news agencies across the Asia-Pacific region called for the protection of journalists covering the developments on the deadly Israel-Hamas conflict. (Anadolu photo)
MANILA – A group of news agencies across the Asia Pacific called for the protection of journalists covering the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In a statement on Oct. 20, the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) said the ongoing war between the Israeli military and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza “has reached a level that threatens the safety of journalists in the region.”
“OANA is deeply concerned about the safety of the journalists working in the region,” the statement read. “OANA emphasizes the crucial importance of the safety of journalists operating in the field for all respected news alliances and urges all institutions and organizations to take the highest measures to ensure the safety of journalists."
At least 21 media personnel have died in Israel and Gaza since Hamas mounted its surprise attack on Oct. 7 and Israel responded with a series of retaliatory strikes, according to the latest data from the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists.
OANA said this act of violence breaches human rights and international law.
“As OANA we affirm our commitment to fight for the safety and security of all journalists and consider the sanctity of their lives indispensable,” it added.
OANA represents 43 news agencies from 35 countries, including the Philippine News Agency, Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, Malaysia’s Bernama, and the Saudi Press Agency. (PNA)
