Israel demanding strict action on photojournalists who covered attack on Hamas

On Thursday, the Israeli government asked that photojournalists employed by foreign media outlets face immediate repercussions for their alleged involvement in joining in covering the Hamas attack during the ongoing conflict in the nation. Taking to X the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel wrote, “The National Public Diplomacy Directorate in the PMO views with utmost gravity that photojournalists working with international media joined in covering the brutal acts of murder perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on October 7th in the communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip.”

Prime Minister of Israel takes it to X

The National Public Diplomacy Directorate in the PMO views with utmost gravity that photojournalists working with international media joined in covering the brutal acts of murder perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on October 7th in the communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 9, 2023

“These journalists were accomplices in crimes against humanity; their actions were contrary to professional ethics,” it said.

“Overnight the GPO issued an urgent letter to the bureau chiefs of the media organizations that employed these photographers and sought clarifications on the matter. The National Public Diplomacy Directorate demands that immediate action be taken,” the PM’s Office stated further.

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How did all this start…

The event occurred as a result of a report made by an Israeli ambassador from the nation’s media watchdog, which stated that photojournalists were photographed during a Hamas terrorist strike on Israel’s border region. Idit Shamir, the Israeli consul general in Toronto, described a report by media watchdog “HonestReporting” as a “shocking expose.” Six freelance photojournalists who were present during the Hamas attack on Israel were identified in the study. They worked for foreign news organizations such as Reuters, CNN, and AP. According to the article, the journalists were aware of these attacks beforehand.

However, international news organisations including Reuters and CNN have denied the allegations against them. “Reuters acquired photographs from two Gaza-based freelance photographers who were at the border on the morning of October 7, with whom it did not have a prior relationship,” the news agency said. According to a Washington Times report, CNN announced that it has severed its relationship with one of the six photojournalists, Hassan Eslaiah.