Palestine: IFJ condemns Israeli forces' attacks on journalists

The IFJ today condemned attacks and obstruction by Israeli soldiers against journalists working in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

JAAFAR ASHTIYEH / AFP

The IFJ today condemned attacks and obstruction by Israeli soldiers against journalists working in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Palestinian and international journalists were attacked and prevented from working while trying to cover protests and demonstrations against yesterday’s decision by the US government to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. Israeli forces attacked journalists – including the crew of Al-Manar TV – while they were covering demonstrations in Ramallah. BBC journalist Iman Oraykat had to abandon a live broadcast  after suffering from breathing difficulties as a result of tear gas shells launched by the Israeli forces. Journalists from Palestine TV and the Al-Ghad channel also reported being restricted from accessing certain areas and prevented from filming. IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “We extend our solidarity to the Palestine Journalists’ Syndicate and our colleagues working trying to tell the truth whilst facing such intolerable restrictions.   “We utterly condemn all such attacks on journalists and call on the Israeli forces to stop denying media workers their rights to work free from arbitrary restriction and harassment”.