Reporters from AFP face the danger of hunger in Gaza
In the Gaza Strip, the situation for journalists, particularly those affiliated with the Agency France-Presse (AFP), is becoming increasingly dire. The Société des Journalistes de l'Agence France-Presse (SDJ) has expressed concern over ten AFP journalists who are at risk of starvation due to ongoing hunger and an aid blockade imposed by Israel[1].
These journalists, comprising one freelance writer, three photographers, and six video freelancers, find themselves unable to buy food despite receiving monthly salaries. The scarcity and high prices under the blockade have made basic necessities inaccessible[1].
One of the journalists, Bashar Taleb, a photographer, shared his struggles on social media, stating that he is too weak to continue working and that his brother recently collapsed due to severe hunger symptoms[1].
The situation is worsening daily, with many journalists losing the physical ability to travel within Gaza to cover stories. These ten reporters represent some of the last Western journalists still on the ground in Gaza, increasingly isolated and suffering in deteriorating living conditions[1].
AFP management has expressed shared concern and is attempting to evacuate its remaining freelance journalists and their families. However, this is proving difficult due to the strict blockade controlling entry and exit from Gaza[1].
The Journalists Association for AFP released a statement condemning the situation and expressing their refusal to see these journalists die[1]. The AFP Union further noted, "We risk learning of their deaths at any moment, and this is unbearable for us."
The union also posted a statement in French on Monday, July 22nd, 2025, about the hunger in Gaza and warned that without intervention, the last reporters in Gaza will die[1].
Sally Shakkour, the leader of the English news team at Al Bawaba, has written this article. Shakkour, who has over 6-year experience in publishing content and digital journalism, is a news and breaking news writer for Al Bawaba. She also has good knowledge of Google's SEO.
The protest by journalists against hunger took place in the Rimal district of Gaza City on July 19, 2025. During the protest, a demonstrator held a sign reading in Arabic "a hungry journalist writes a report about the hungry."
This article was originally published by Al Bawaba.
[1] Data sourced from the AFP Union's statement and various interviews with the journalists in question.
- Amid the dire situation in Gaza, concerns about mental health among the ten AFP journalists at risk of starvation have risen, as they struggle with physical weakness and the fear of imminent death.
- The situation in Gaza also impacts the quality of news reporting, as the journalists' deteriorating health and living conditions restrict their ability to cover stories and provide up-to-date information about the region.
- As the global community watches, the ongoing food scarcity and high prices under the blockade in Gaza have raised questions about the state of health-and-wellness and access to basic necessities for those living in the strip.
- The AFP journalists' plight has prompted discussions in various spheres, including science and human rights, as experts question the ethical implications of intentionally denying everyday essentials to a group of people and its potential long-term impacts on society.
