Journalists' Syndicate Condemns Israeli Occupation's Targeting of Jerusalem Journalists

SadaNews - The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate condemned the escalating targeted campaign by Israeli occupation forces against Palestinian journalists in Jerusalem, most recently the arrest of colleague journalist Ibrahim Sanj lawi this evening from within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the arrest of journalist Nawal Hijazi at the Shufat military checkpoint northeast of occupied Jerusalem this morning, before being released in the evening under conditions that included a personal guarantee and an obligation to appear for investigation if summoned, along with the confiscation of her mobile phone.

The syndicate also denounced in a statement issued this evening, Wednesday, the arbitrary measures against colleague Nasreen Salem, who was released under harsh conditions that included a financial guarantee, home confinement for a week, and a ban on using social media or the phone or communicating with journalists.

The syndicate condemned the decision issued by the Minister of the Israeli Army banning the work of four Palestinian media outlets and platforms, classifying them as "terrorist entities," and pursuing their workers through arrest, summons, and intimidation, which includes: Al-Asimah Media Network, Al-Bawselet, Ma'raj, and Quds Plus.

The syndicate affirmed that this Israeli campaign targeting Palestinian journalism in Jerusalem constitutes a gross violation of press freedom and a clear infringement of international laws and agreements that guarantee the protection of journalists while performing their duties. It indicated that this represents a dangerous escalation in the policy of constraining and expelling from the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as a clear attempt to empty the area of media witnesses and obscure the truth.

The syndicate held the occupation authorities fully responsible for the safety of fellow journalists, calling on international human rights organizations and all bodies concerned with press freedom to take urgent action to put an end to these grave violations and to provide protection for Palestinian journalists.