Agence France-Presse (AFP) issued an urgent plea on Tuesday, demanding that Israel facilitate the immediate evacuation of its freelance journalists from Gaza. The agency described the journalists' situation as "appalling" and "untenable," citing reports of starvation among its staff. The Society of Journalists, an independent AFP journalists' association, warned that colleagues in Gaza risk dying of hunger, highlighting the case of a photographer, Bashar, who reported losing the strength to work due to starvation. Al Jazeera Media Network also called for international action to address the crisis, emphasizing the suffering of journalists in Gaza. Oxfam similarly reported that its staff in Gaza are facing starvation.

At least 15 Palestinians, including four children, starved to death in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total to 101 since the start of the conflict, according to Gaza health officials. Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid, implemented in March, has only partially been lifted via the GHF aid agency which has been boycotted by the UN and major aid groups. The UN Human Rights Office reports that over 1,000 Palestinians seeking food aid have been killed by Israeli forces near GHF distribution points.

Impact Statement: The starvation crisis in Gaza, impacting journalists and aid workers, represents a severe humanitarian emergency and raises serious concerns about freedom of the press and the potential for mass casualties.