Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the killing of journalists in the Gaza Strip and issued an "urgent" appeal for a cease-fire and for mutual recognition of Israel and Palestine. Speaking at her daily press conference on 13 August, Sheinbaum called the situation in Gaza "terrible and very sad," stressing that the deaths of media workers underscored the need to restore peace. Local media report that six journalists—five employed by Al Jazeera and an independent reporter—died when an Israeli strike hit an area near Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City earlier this week. Sheinbaum said the incident was part of a wider pattern of attacks on the press and reiterated Mexico’s support for a two-state solution as the basis for a lasting settlement. In response to the latest violence, Mexican journalists’ unions and human-rights groups have organised a candle-light vigil and a weekend march in Mexico City to demand greater protection for reporters and an end to hostilities in Gaza. Organisers say the demonstrations aim to keep international attention on the safety of civilians and press workers in the conflict zone.