Israeli Forces Arrest Palestinian Journalist in Jerusalem Amid Ongoing Restrictions

Israeli occupation forces have detained Palestinian journalist Nisreen Salem while she was reporting in East Jerusalem, in an arrest that rights advocates say reflects continuing constraints on press freedom in the occupied city and broader Palestinian territories. The arrest was reported on 15 February 2026 by local news agencies monitoring developments in the region.

According to Saba news agency, Salem was taken into custody on Al-Zahra Street by Israeli forces, who also delivered demolition notices in nearby Bedouin communities as part of ongoing eviction and demolition policies across East Jerusalem. The report said Salem was detained while actively covering events for her media outlet, an incident that underscores the precarious conditions under which Palestinian journalists operate.

WAFA, the Palestinian news agency, provided additional detail on Salem’s arrest, noting that she had previously faced threats and harassment while reporting on raids and detentions in the city. The agency characterised the latest detention as part of an “ongoing Israeli policy of restricting press freedom,” particularly in areas where journalists are documenting security operations or other contentious events.

Press freedom advocates and Palestinian media organisations have frequently cited incidents of arrests, intimidation, and restrictions against journalists in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, arguing that such actions hinder independent reporting and civic transparency. Journalists like Salem often risk detention while covering demonstrations, police operations, or politically sensitive developments, according to observers.

The context for the detention includes a long-running pattern of pressure on Palestinian media workers, evidenced by reported violations such as harassment, physical attacks, and military action impacting journalists in the broader conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian communities. Local journalists’ syndicates have documented frequent incidents affecting press safety and freedom of movement, and have called for greater respect for journalists’ rights and protections under international law.

Authorities did not immediately clarify the legal grounds for Salem’s detention or whether formal charges would be filed. Still, the arrest drew concern from media rights advocates who view it as emblematic of the risks Palestinian journalists face when reporting under occupation. The incident adds to broader scrutiny of restrictions on press freedom in the region, where access and reporting on politically sensitive issues continue to be constrained.

Reference –

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3648114.htm

https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/167401