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February 14, 2026 – Palestine –
Israeli authorities have detained a Palestinian journalist who witnessed the killing of Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, prompting international concern over press freedom and the treatment of witnesses to violence against journalists. The detention has drawn sharp criticism from local and international rights advocates, who say the arrest exemplifies broader patterns of repression against media workers covering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The journalist, Wael al-Dahdouh, a long-time Gaza correspondent and colleague of Abu Akleh, was reportedly arrested while reporting in the West Bank several days after marking the second anniversary of Abu Akleh’s death in May 2024. Abu Akleh, an internationally recognised Al Jazeera reporter, was shot and killed by Israeli forces during a raid in Jenin refugee camp, triggering global outcry and independent investigations that documented the risks faced by journalists covering conflict.
According to reports, Israeli authorities accused al-Dahdouh of participating in or inciting “disturbances” and failing to comply with a removal order issued by security forces. Officials claimed he was present during protests and clashes that followed public commemorations of Abu Akleh’s death, asserting that he ignored warnings to leave the area. Israeli military and police have characterised the arrest as a security measure rather than an action against journalistic work per se.
Rights groups have rejected the security rationale, saying the arrest appears directly tied to al-Dahdouh’s presence during peaceful commemorative events and his reporting on protests and public reactions to Abu Akleh’s killing. Palestinian and international media freedom advocates argue that detaining a journalist for covering demonstrations — especially one tied to a high-profile case of a journalist’s death — constitutes a violation of press freedom and an intimidation tactic aimed at silencing critical coverage.
Al-Dahdouh was taken into custody and held in detention for several days before charges were formally presented. The specifics of those charges have not been fully disclosed by authorities, but human rights defenders said they include allegations of interfering with law enforcement and violating public order. Legal advocates for the journalist have said he was engaged in legitimate reporting and that there was no credible evidence of wrongdoing beyond his presence at public gatherings.
The case has reignited criticism of Israel’s approach to journalists operating in the West Bank and Gaza, where reporters frequently navigate volatile security environments and the risk of detention. Press freedom organisations warn that such arrests not only jeopardise individual journalists but also have a chilling effect on independent reporting, especially in contexts where documenting alleged abuses and fatalities carries significant political and legal weight.
International responses have included statements from journalist unions and free expression advocates calling for al-Dahdouh’s release and for greater protection for media workers covering conflict-related events. Some analysts say the detention reflects broader tensions over narrative control and accountability in reporting on high-profile incidents such as Abu Akleh’s death, which drew widespread scrutiny of military conduct and press protection standards.
Reference –
Why Israel Arrested a journalist Who Witnessed Shireen Abu Akleh’s Shooting
