Journalists call for end to Israel violence

Asia Journalist Association (AJA) on Tuesday condemned the bloody conflict between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas and expressed regret over the losses of civilian lives.

“Israel and Hamas, the militant group of Palestine, announced the ceasefire on Nov. 22 after 8 days of fighting which left more than 150 victims. However, the cause of tension is still alive,” it said in a statement.

The group also said that several journalists were killed by targeted strikes during the exchange of fire and expressed condolences.

Despite the efforts for a ceasefire, AJA stressed the fact that the armed struggle between the Israeli military and Hamas militants were ongoing, evidenced by missiles fired by Israeli jets and the Hamas rocket attacks in the southern part of Israel.

According to its statement, observers noted that Hamas acted to pressure Israel to lift is blockage on Gazans, while Israel acted, it said, to deter Hamas’ firing rockets on its territory.

However, AJA called for a reconsideration of the indiscreet use of military power.

“AJA asks the implacable foes to ponder again how such violence would help resolve their historical conflicts,” it said.

“Civilians caught in the cross-fire of the Hamas-Israeli fire-fight suffered as innocent victims, including deaths of young children.” <The Korea Times/Jun Ji-hye>