The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today warned that journalists and media staff face serious risks during Israeli military operations the Gaza strip after a local photographer died of wounds sustained in an air attack two weeks ago.

"Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza present a serious risk to security of journalists and media staff," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "The whole world is watching and journalists trying to cover the story are inevitably in the firing line." 

According to media reports, Hamza Shahin, a photographer with Shehab News Agency, died on Friday last week. He had been wounded in an Israeli air attack on 7 December in northern Gaza.

The current conflict in Gaza takes place at a time when Israel continues to deny access to foreign journalists into Gaza putting even more pressure on the local reporters and camera staff who supply foreign networks.

The IFJ is particularly concerned that journalists will be further exposed as they seek to report from locations which are likely to come under attack.

"The pressure on journalists is intense, "said White. "Israel should allow foreign journalists into Gaza and must at the same time ensure its military activities comply with international law, especially United Nations Resolution 1738 on the protection of journalists and media staff."

Yesterday the IFJ complained that Israel breached International Law with its military strike on the Hamas television station Al Aqsa, a civilian target.

For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide