Journalists blocked and targeted while reporting in the West Bank
Since the launch of Israel’s “military operation” in the West Bank, and the Trump’s administration decision to lift sanctions on Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, media partners and journalists have shared disturbing reports of escalating violence.
Partners and journalists from the West Bank tell us that in the wake of the ceasefire, it has become increasingly dangerous for them to do their job. Journalists are directly attacked by the IDF and settlers and are obstructed to cover events. “The situation is much more dangerous in the West Bank after the ceasefire”, one journalist told us. “We have always suffered from settler violence, but they used to throw stones or sound grenades. Now, settlers are holding guns, and are backed by the IDF. This support by the IDF gives a clear signal: you can do what you want to journalists and we will close our eyes.”
Blockades and destruction of camera equipment
Since the start of the ceasefire, the IDF has set up additional military checkpoints and settlers have blocked the exits and entries of various cities, such as Jericho, Nablus and Jenin. These blockages make it more difficult for journalists to report as traveling to various areas in the West Bank is very dangerous and time consuming. As a result of the blockages, team members from our partner Wattan Media Network have been stuck for three days after reporting in the Jericho and Jordan Valley area. They found themselves in a difficult and unsafe situation, unable to get back home. When they attempted to find an alternative route to return home, they were detained for hours and attacked by settlers. Muamar Orabi, Director of our partner organisation Wattan Media Network states “After they destroyed our cameras, we were forced to abandon our official Wattan Media Network vehicle under the threat of physical harm.”
Death threats
Other journalists also report that they have been attacked, obstructed while reporting and their equipment has been confiscated or destroyed. One journalist told us: “Whenever we want to cover settler attacks we cannot come close. The IDF and settlers threaten or attack us. One soldier said to me ‘I do not care if you are a journalist, I will put a bullet in your head if you move’. We feel we can be shot at any moment.”
Because of the violence it is nearly impossible at the moment to report on the events taking place in the West Bank, creating a blind spot and an environment in which impunity for any violations of human rights can thrive.
Increasing pressure
This escalation of violence against journalists takes place in a context of increasing pressure on the media in Palestine. Recently, the Palestinian Authority closed several Al Jazeera websites and broadcasts. In 2024, Israel already closed the Al Jazeera editorial offices. Moreover, since October 7, 2023, Israel has arrested 71 journalists in the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem; 42 journalists remain under arrest. By comparison, before October 7 two journalists were detained. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 10 of the journalists arrested by Israel are being held under administrative detention, a form of arbitrary detention.
We call upon the Israeli authorities to abide by their obligation to protect journalists and prevent attacks against them. Journalists must be able to report on the events in the West Bank safely and freely, without hindrance or fear of violence. Furthermore, we call upon the international community to put pressure on the Israeli authorities to fulfill their obligations to protect journalists.
