AP President 'Shocked And Horrified' At Israel Bombing Of Gaza Media Building

The White House said it has told Israel that ensuring the safety of the press is "paramount."

An Israeli airstrike that obliterated a 12-story Gaza City building that housed offices for The Associated Press, Al Jazeera and other media outlets sparked an outcry from press advocates on Saturday, with AP leadership calling it an “incredibly disturbing” development in the conflict.  “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,” AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt said in a statement.  Pruitt said the Israeli military has “long known the location of our bureau and knew journalists were there.” The agency received a warning that the building would be hit, which allowed time for evacuations.