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July 07, 2025 – Palestine/Israel –
Israeli forces arrested Dr. Nasser al‑Lahham, veteran editor-in-chief of the Ma’an News Agency and bureau chief for the Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV, during a pre-dawn raid at his home in the village of al‑Duheisha near Bethlehem. Military personnel reportedly ransacked his residence, confiscating electronic devices and phones, and transported him to the Ofer military court, where his detention was extended until at least Thursday.
Israeli authorities classified al‑Lahham as a “wanted person,” though neither the Israel Defense Forces nor Shin Bet has publicly disclosed specific allegations. Al-Mayadeen is banned from operating within Israel and the occupied territories, accused by the Israeli government of affiliation with the Iran-aligned Hezbollah. The network stated that Israeli security forces also attempted to locate studio equipment used by al‑Lahham’s team.
The detention triggered swift backlash. Journalistic groups, human rights advocates, and Palestinian officials condemned the action as a severe blow to press freedom and further evidence of a deliberate campaign to silence Palestinian media voices. The New Arab noted solidarity statements from union leaders and local press associations opposed to what they describe as politically motivated repression.
This arrest forms part of a larger pattern since October 7, 2023, during which upwards of 86 journalists in the West Bank and Gaza have been detained by Israeli authorities, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Many have been held under administrative detention for “incitement” or alleged ties to militant organizations, often without formal charges or public evidence.
Human rights experts warn that these legal measures—particularly administrative detention and military courts—create an environment of intimidation for journalists, eroding the possibility of independent reporting. They highlight repeated harassment, confiscation of equipment, and limitations on movement, all of which obstruct media operations in highly sensitive conflict zones.
Nasser al‑Lahham is expected to appear again before the military court later this week to contest his detention. The case is being closely monitored by international press freedom organizations, who are calling for transparency, due process, and his immediate release. Journalistic unions have also demanded a halt to what they view as a systemic campaign to suppress Palestinian voices and deny the world insight into the realities on the ground.
Reference –
https://english.pnn.ps/news/47526
https://www.bernama.com/en/world/news.php?id=2442605
Israeli Occupation Extends Detention of Journalist Nasser Al-Lahham and Refers Him to Military Court
