On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3, 2025, Palestinian prisoner institutions have released a harrowing statement detailing the ongoing violence and systematic targeting of journalists in the Gaza Strip. This period, they assert, marks the bloodiest chapter in the history of Palestinian journalism, with over 210 journalists killed since the onset of the Israeli aggression approximately 17 months ago.
The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Prisoners Affairs, the Palestinian Prisoner Society, and the Adameer Association for Supporting Prisoners and Human Rights collectively emphasized the severe implications of this targeting. In their statement, they noted, "Targeting Palestinian journalists, in the form and continuation of the policies pursued by the occupation throughout its history, is one of the acts of aggression it pursues and has been escalating in an unprecedented manner." The institutions have documented around 180 cases of arrest and detention among journalists since the beginning of the aggression.
As of May 3, 2025, the Israeli occupation continues to detain 49 journalists, including 19 who are held under administrative detention. This form of detention, which allows for imprisonment without charge, has become a common tool for the occupation, affecting thousands of Palestinians. The institutions highlighted that the systematic targeting of journalists not only obstructs their ability to report but also seeks to intimidate their families, creating a chilling effect on the free press.
Prisoner institutions reported that the occupation has not limited its aggression to journalists alone but has also targeted their families. Numerous journalists and their relatives have lost their lives during the ongoing conflict, as the occupation has methodically sought to silence dissenting voices. This pattern of violence is seen as part of a broader strategy to obscure the realities of the ongoing aggression in Gaza.
Moreover, the institutions pointed out the continued practice of enforced disappearance, particularly concerning journalists Nadal Al-Wahidi and Haitham Abd Al-Wahid, who have been missing since October 7, 2023. Despite various human rights organizations demanding information about their whereabouts, the occupation has refused to disclose their fate.
In their statement, the institutions criticized the Israeli authorities for transforming social media and journalistic platforms from tools of free expression into instruments of repression. They noted that vague laws regarding "incitement" have been weaponized against journalists, allowing for arbitrary arrests under the pretext of suppressing dissent.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the dire conditions faced by detained journalists, who are subjected to torture, ill-treatment, and medical neglect within the Israeli prison system. The institutions emphasized that these conditions violate international law and called for immediate action to address the plight of these journalists.
"The targeting of journalists has become a blatant danger in the history of Palestinian journalism, especially in Gaza," the statement asserted. The institutions urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take responsibility for the ongoing violations and to advocate for the release of detained journalists. They called for an end to the systematic impunity enjoyed by the Israeli occupation, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.
As the world marks Press Freedom Day, the plight of Palestinian journalists serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those striving to report the truth in conflict zones. The call for action from Palestinian institutions resonates with the global commitment to uphold press freedom and protect journalists from violence and persecution.
The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with the ongoing conflict exacerbating the risks faced by journalists. The institutions reiterated their demand for the immediate release of those detained and for an end to the enforced disappearances that have plagued the region.
In conclusion, the statement from Palestinian prisoner institutions sheds light on the urgent need for international intervention to protect journalists and uphold the fundamental right to freedom of expression. The ongoing violence against the press in Gaza highlights the critical importance of safeguarding journalistic integrity and the pursuit of truth in the face of oppression.
