Israelis Bomb Media Building In Gaza [UPDATED]

 

Here's the Associated Press' subtitled account of today's bombing of the 12-story building that housed the offices of the AP, al Jazeera, and other media, apartments, and offices:

 

They're certainly not shy about stifling media coverage of their retaliatory attacks in Gaza, which have killed at least 122, including 31 children and 30 women as of yesterday. Bad image for them internationally, to be sure.

 

The White House Press Secretary reacts:

 

We have communicated directly to the Israelis that ensuring the safety and security of journalists and independent media is a paramount responsibility.

— Jen Psaki (@PressSec) May 15, 2021

 

Statement by the CEO of The Associated Press:

We are shocked and horrified that the Israeli military would target and destroy the building housing AP’s bureau and other news organizations in Gaza. They have long known the location of our bureau and knew journalists were there. We received a warning that the building would be hit.

We are seeking information from the Israeli government and are engaged with the U.S. State Department to try to learn more.

This is an incredibly disturbing development. We narrowly avoided a terrible loss of life. A dozen AP journalists and freelancers were inside the building and thankfully we were able to evacuate them in time.

The world will know less about what is happening in Gaza because of what happened today.

Guess that's the whole point.

UPDATE: Israel Defense Forces issued a statement saying that Hamas used the building for military purposes, including apparently communications, command and control and planning.