US voices support for journalists but fails to condemn Israeli attack

The US State Department voiced "unwavering support" for journalists after Israel bombed a building housing the media offices of major news outlets in Gaza on Saturday, but failed to criticise - let alone condemn - the attack itself.

Israel had levelled an 11-storey building hosting the offices of the Associated Press, Middle East Eye, Al Jazeera and other media outlets.

Late on Saturday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Gary Pruitt, the CEO of the Associated Press. 

"The Secretary offered his unwavering support for independent journalists and media organizations around the world and noted the indispensability of their reporting in conflict zones," the State Department said in a statement.

"He expressed relief that the Associated Press team on the ground in Gaza remains safe."

The US administration had ignored calls by press freedom advocates to condemn the attack, instead it merely expressed "concern" for the safety of journalists.

Israel had claimed without evidence that the building was used by Hamas, an allegation denied by the Associated Press.

The Israeli military gave journalists an hour to evacuate the building before bombing it.

"We are shocked and horrified that the Israeli military would target and destroy the building housing AP’s bureau and other news organizations in Gaza," Pruitt said in a statement earlier on Saturday. 

"They have long known the location of our bureau and knew journalists were there."