The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has today condemned Israeli attacks on journalists in Ramallah in which at least one foreign journalist was injured. Eye-witness reports say that journalists came under fire three times before a demonstration rally in the town.
"This appears to be another example of reckless soldiering by Israeli forces," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "This was an incident that should never have happened and which confirms that the already dangerous work of journalists in the region is put at further risk by the actions of Israeli military."
According to media reports, Israel's soldiers fired tear gas and rubber bullets in the direction of journalists and Palestinians who were marching towards the wall of separation during a demonstration in support of people in Gaza. The journalists were wearing clothing clearly marked as "press."
In a statement, the Spanish union of Catalan Journalists (SPC), IFJ affiliate, said the Cristina Rivas, journalist for the Catalan television who was a member of the Spanish crew in Ramallah including a journalist and a cameraman, was hit on the leg and sustained serious injuries.
Cristina received initial treatment in a hospital in Ramallah before being flown back to Spain for further medical treatment.
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The IFJ represent over 600.000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide