U.S. Steps in to Defend Media Freedom Amidst Gaza Conflict

The U.S. urged Israel's Prime Minister to return equipment seized from The Associated Press and to lift the broadcasting block on Gaza imagery. The confiscation was due to AP allegedly breaching a new media law. The U.S. stresses the importance of journalistic freedom.

The U.S. on Tuesday privately urged the Israeli prime minister's office to return equipment seized from The Associated Press and to reverse its block on broadcasting images of the war-torn Gaza strip from inside Israel, according to a senior U.S. administration official.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The Israeli communications ministry seized a camera and broadcasting equipment belonging to the AP on Tuesday, accusing the news organization of violating a new media law by providing images to Al Jazeera. The Qatari satellite channel is one of thousands of AP customers, and it receives live video from AP and other news organizations.

Earlier Tuesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the U.S. was "looking into" what happened and that it was "essential" for journalists to be allowed to do their jobs, but she stopped short of condemning Israel's actions.(AP) AMS

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