Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun shared a post on his social media account regarding the Israeli airstrike on the TRT Arabi team.
Director of Communications Altun stated the following in his post:
"Israel continues its callous attacks on journalists. Israel today targeted our Arabic news channel TRT Arabi team’s vehicle. The team’s cameraman Sami Shehada underwent a leg amputation. I extend my sincerest prayers and wishes to Sami and the entire team.
Israel’s deliberate targeting of journalists has been well documented by international organizations. They are not only conducting ethnic cleansing in Gaza but also attempting to eliminate journalists, who are simply doing their job by documenting Israel’s crimes.
Targeting journalists and civilians is completely unacceptable and beyond the pale. We are committed to holding Israel accountable for these war crimes.
We know that Israel is especially upset with Turkish news agencies and their work on the ground because they have provided the best documentary and visual evidence to the International Criminal Court and other international observers. Anadolu Agency and TRT’s heroes on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank risk their own lives to get the news out.
Journalists are making sure that the international audiences are presented with the reality of Israel’s actions in this war. We remind Israel that targeting journalists will not conceal their crimes. This must stop.
We will continue to report the news and document what is going on even in the most difficult circumstances as long as we have these brave and selfless journalists who are willing to do their jobs. We will spare no resources for them. Although I have little faith that they will, Israel must abide by the international law and protect civilians including journalists.
All journalists and civilians in war zones must be protected by the authorities. Failure to do so amounts to war crimes. We call on Israel to immediately halt any targeting of civilians. We call on the international community to hold those responsible to account.
Once again, I want to offer my best wishes to Sami Shehada and the TRT Arabi team. I salute their bravery and courage in some of the worst of circumstances."