Journalists in Danger

Since Israel began its offensive against towns and cities administered by the Palestinian Authority 10 days ago, there have been about 40 cases of journalists being obstructed in their work (wounded, injured, arrested, expelled or threatened).

A journalist was shot today and several others were harassed while covering the ongoing Israeli offensive in the West Bank.

Leading press freedom groups have called on the Israeli government to stop intimidating journalists and to allow media access to the West Bank in the current conflict.

On 12 April 2002, RSF called on Israeli army chief General Shaul Moffaz to release three Palestinian journalists held by the army for over a week.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is deeply concerned for the safety of Associated Press (AP) reporter Mohamed Daraghmeh, who was detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank city of Nablus today.

The Committee to Protect Journalists deplores the continuing harassment of journalists by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops deployed in the West Bank.

On 25 April 2002, RSF called on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to release three Palestinian journalists, one of whom is ill.

Since the beginning of the Al-Aqsa Intifada on 28 September 2000, journalists have featured heavily among the victims. According to IPI’s research, six journalists have been killed and there have been another 59 incidents in which journalists were injured by gunfire or shelling.

On 3 May 2002, RSF called on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to free seven Palestinian journalists and to stop attacking press freedom.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) strongly protests the Israeli government’s continued detention of several journalists in the West Bank.