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December 27, 2025 – Palestine –
The Palestinian Journalists Union (PJU) has sharply criticised the Government of Israel for what it describes as systematic efforts to silence Palestinian media, accusing authorities of escalating attacks, detentions, and restrictions that undermine press freedom in the occupied Palestinian territories. The union’s denunciation comes amid intensifying tensions and ongoing hostilities in the region, and highlights concerns about the safety and rights of journalists operating under protracted conflict conditions.
In a public statement issued on December 26, 2025, the PJU accused Israeli forces of repeatedly targeting Palestinian media workers through physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, and repeated restrictions on movement and reporting. According to the union, these measures have included the confiscation of recording equipment, harassment at checkpoints, and violent disruptions of press activities, all of which impede journalists’ ability to gather and disseminate news. The PJU argued that such actions amount to a broader policy of press suppression rather than isolated incidents of security enforcement.
The union’s condemnation specifically highlighted recent episodes in which Palestinian journalists were shot at, detained without clear charges, or prevented from accessing conflict zones where critical civilian harm has occurred. PJU officials emphasised that these practices endanger journalists’ lives and violate internationally recognised norms of press freedom and protections under international humanitarian law. They argued that reporting on civilian conditions, human rights issues, and developments on the ground is a legitimate and essential function that should not be impeded by military or security operations.
The PJU also protested the continued extension of legal measures restricting the operations of certain media outlets, drawing attention to Israel’s recent two-year extension of laws banning the Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera from freely covering events in Israel and the occupied territories. The union linked these legal constraints with physical harassment, framing them as part of an overarching environment hostile to independent and Palestinian journalism.
In response to these developments, the PJU called on international press freedom organisations, journalists’ associations, and human rights bodies to elevate scrutiny of the situation and to press Israeli authorities to honour obligations under international law to protect journalists. The union reaffirmed its commitment to documenting abuses and advocating for the rights of media workers, even amid considerable risk.
Press freedom advocates have echoed the PJU’s concerns, stating that any restrictions on journalistic reporting — especially in conflict zones — diminish the flow of reliable information to global audiences and weaken accountability for violations of civilian protections. They have urged transparent investigations into incidents involving journalists and the development of robust safeguards that uphold freedom of expression and media access.
Reference –
https://en.isna.ir/news/1404100603194/Palestinian-journalists-union-denounces-Israel-for-silencing
