Dubai: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on Israeli authorities to release without delay all detained journalists and members of the media after an Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid convoy.
At least 100 journalists are believed to be among the passengers currently being held by the Israeli army after the Freedom Flotilla was attacked in international waters on Monday morning.
Read special coverage of Freedom Flotilla
Gulf News statement on the Israeli attack
"The Israeli authorities must not play cat and mouse with professional journalists who are doing their job, not just for the company they serve but in the service of a worldwide audience," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary.
Israeli authorities have given reassurances that they will treat all journalists the same way as they treat politicians who accompanied the flotilla, and seek their early release and deportation.
More than 100 deportees arrived in Amman, Jordan, on Wednesday morning, including Gulf News reporter Abbas Al Lawati.
It is not yet known how many journalists were among those who arrived in the Jordanian capital.
Reports state that up to 10 people were killed and many more injured during clashes between the military and passengers when the flotilla was boarded by Israeli commandos.
"We are grateful for the tremendous efforts being made by leaders of the National Federation of Israeli Journalists to defend the rights of working professionals who have been caught up in this series of tragic events," said IFJ General Secretary White.
"We will continue to work with our Israeli affiliate and others who have expressed concern about the detention of their journalists and media staff," White said.
