UN voices concern after Israel shuts down Associated Press' Gaza live feed

WASHINGTON

A UN spokesman on Tuesday voiced concern after the Israeli government shut down The Associated Press’ live feed of the Gaza Strip and seized the news agency’s equipment.

"I saw the reports in the Israeli press this morning. Frankly, it's quite shocking," Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

"I think journalists need to be able to do their work freely. The Associated Press, all news organizations should be allowed to do its work freely and free of any harassment," Dujarric added.

His remarks came after Israeli officials seized a camera and broadcasting equipment Tuesday that belongs to The Associated Press in southern Israel. It accused the news organization of violating a new media law by providing images to Al Jazeera.

The Associated Press condemned the seizure of its live feed as an "abusive use" of Israel’s new foreign broadcaster law amid an onslaught launched by Tel Aviv on the besieged Palestinian enclave.

“The Associated Press decries in the strongest terms the actions of the Israeli government to shut down our longstanding live feed showing a view into Gaza and seize AP equipment,” Lauren Easton, vice president of corporate communications at AP, said in a statement.