Canadian photojournalist Valeri Zink has announced her resignation from Reuters after eight years. On her personal “Facebook” account, she justified her decision by opposing Israel's violence against journalists in Gaza.
The editorial office reports that Zink accused Reuters of “failing to defend murdered journalists,” promoting Israeli propaganda, and “legitimizing systematic killings in Gaza.” According to her, by concealing Israel's war crimes, Western media is effectively creating the grounds for these crimes.
The photojournalist reminded that at least 246 journalists have been killed since October 2023, and under these circumstances, Western media cannot remain unaccountable: “It is no longer possible to work for Reuters.”
Zink specifically highlighted the death of Pulitzer Prize laureate and “Al Jazeera” correspondent Anas Sharif, who was killed in Gaza on August 10. She cited Reuters' unverified publication of Israel's claim that “Sharif was a Hamas member” as proof that the agency continues its propaganda line.
Also, recalling Reuters operator Hussam al-Misri, who was killed during the attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Zink stated, “Reuters did not even defend its own employee.”
At least 21 people died in the attack on Nasser Hospital. Among the deceased were “Al Jazeera” correspondent Mohammed Salama, Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Misri, independent journalist Maryam Abu Dakka, who worked with AP, and other media representatives.
The Palestinian Journalists Union condemned the attack as “an open war against the free media.” UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese called on states to “break the blockade, impose arms embargoes and sanctions.”
French President Emmanuel Macron called the attacks “intolerable.” Germany and Spain demanded an independent investigation. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed his “horror” and called for a ceasefire.
Turkey, Qatar, Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia issued strong statements, recognizing the attacks as war crimes.
According to “Al Jazeera,” after the latest attack, the number of journalists and media workers killed in Gaza since October 2023 has reached at least 273.
Sevinc Karimova