In a disturbing series of events, more than 20 Palestinian media outlets in Gaza were destroyed by Israeli attacks, according to a recent investigation. The strikes resulted in the deaths of several journalists and caused widespread damage to media infrastructure.

The investigation, conducted by a consortium of journalists and human rights organizations, found evidence linking the Israeli military to the targeted attacks on media facilities. The United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, emphasized that under international humanitarian law, media infrastructure is considered civilian infrastructure, making the targeting of these facilities potentially constituting a war crime.

The attacks on the media organizations, including the Palestine Media Group (PMG) and the French international news agency AFP, occurred on the same day, within an hour of each other. Both organizations had been broadcasting live video of Gaza, highlighting the importance of their coverage in documenting the situation on the ground.

While no one was in the AFP office at the time of the strike, tragically, several people, including three journalists, lost their lives outside the building while covering the expected strike on another location. The Israeli military credited the intervention of a contact within the AFP office for preventing the strike on their building.

AFP's global news director, Phil Chetwynd, called for Israel to clarify its policy regarding live feeds and whether they consider them legitimate targets. The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the Israeli military's attacks on media facilities has raised concerns about the deliberate targeting of journalists.

The investigation uncovered footage showing a previous strike on the PMG offices, suggesting a pattern of attacks on media outlets. The CEO of PMG, Hassan al Madhoun, stated that Israeli tanks had been visible from the offices a few days before the attack, and previous video footage confirmed their presence in the area.

The asymmetrical response to the attacks also raised eyebrows, with critics pointing out that international journalists or news organizations often receive more attention and response compared to local journalists. Shuruq As'ad, a journalist and spokesperson for the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, expressed frustration at the international community's failure to prioritize the safety of local journalists.

The attacks resulted in the loss of vital sources of information, as the AFP camera's live feed ceased to operate, marking the end of an important avenue for gathering crucial evidence. The international community is now calling for a thorough investigation into these attacks and for greater protection of journalists and media infrastructure in conflict zones.

As the full picture of what transpired on that tragic night remains unclear, the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for press freedom becomes increasingly evident. The international community must address these alarming events to ensure the safety and well-being of journalists and safeguard their ability to report on conflicts accurately and without fear.

Note: This article was generated using the provided information and does not imply the endorsement or confirmation of the events described.