AFP journalists around the world staged rallies to show solidarity with nine colleagues in Gaza, with agency chiefs calling on Israel to ensure their safety and let them leave the bombarded territory, AFP reports.

The demonstration was organised by AFP’s management, with unions and the Journalists’ Association (SDJ).

“The AFP newsroom wanted to express its whole-hearted support for our Gaza colleagues who are working in dire conditions and under constant fear of bombardment,” said Phil Chetwynd, AFP’s Global News Director, in a statement.

“We are humbled by their professionalism and commitment to do their jobs to the very best of their abilities,” added Chetwynd.

“Not only are they trying to report on the story around them, they are also having to seek food and shelter for their families as the humanitarian situation becomes more desperate every day,” Chetwynd said.

AFP employees in Gaza include journalists Mahmud Hams, Yahya Hassouna, Bilal al-Sabbagh, Mohammed Abed, Said Khatib, Adel Zaanoun, Mai Yaghi, technician Ahmed Eissa and office manager Mohanad Shahwan.

The team also includes freelance videographer Youssef Hassouna and administrator Zuhair Abuatila.

“We reiterate our call to the Israeli authorities to ensure that journalists working in Gaza are protected and allowed to work in safety and security. Too many colleagues have been killed and injured,” said Chetwynd.

“It is also essential that all journalists be allowed to freely leave and enter the Gaza Strip. Some of our staff and their families have suffered real trauma. They have lost friends and family, and seen their houses destroyed.

They need to get to safety,“ he added.

“Every morning and throughout the day, we fear hearing the worst” from Gaza, said SDJ president Emmanuel Duparcq.

“That is intolerable to us both as colleagues and as journalists,” Duparcq said.