CPJ to Release Report Documenting Palestinian Journalists’ Claims of Torture in Israeli Prisons

February 18, 2026 – General –

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) announced plans to publish a comprehensive report documenting allegations of torture and mistreatment by Palestinian journalists detained in Israeli prisons, highlighting serious concerns about the treatment of media workers and the protection of press freedom in conflict settings. The report, expected in early March 2026, draws on first-hand testimony, legal records, and interviews with affected journalists.

According to CPJ, the upcoming report will detail claims by Palestinian journalists who say they were subjected to physical abuse, psychological pressure, prolonged solitary confinement, denial of medical care, and intimidation tactics while in detention. Many of the journalists interviewed reportedly described conditions they said amounted to torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment — allegations that, if substantiated, would violate international human rights law and basic protections for detainees.

The investigation underpinning the report focused on a cross-section of Palestinian media workers who were arrested in relation to their journalistic activities, including reporting on protests, human rights issues, and Israeli military operations. CPJ said that some journalists were held for extended periods, often without formal charges or timely access to legal counsel, a pattern that rights advocates say erodes due process standards and press freedom safeguards.

CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa programme coordinator, Sherif Mansour, said the forthcoming report aims to shed light on “systemic mistreatment” of journalists in custody and to press for accountability and reforms in detention practices. Mansour noted that while security concerns are frequently cited by authorities, peaceful reporting and documentation of conflict should not be grounds for punitive measures or abusive treatment.

The announcement comes amid broader international scrutiny of how media workers are treated in conflict contexts. Palestinian and international press freedom organisations have repeatedly documented harassment, arrests, and restrictions imposed on journalists covering the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, with CPJ noting that such conditions can have a chilling effect on independent reporting.

Human rights lawyers and advocacy groups have urged that any credible allegations of torture and abuse be independently investigated and those responsible be held accountable under international legal frameworks. They also emphasise that ensuring journalists’ safety and humane detention conditions is essential for upholding freedom of expression and the rule of law.

The CPJ report is expected to include recommendations for improving detention practices, transparency, legal safeguards, and protections for journalists detained under security-related legislation, as well as calls for broader international attention to the issue.

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CPJ to release report documenting Palestinian journalists’ claims of torture in Israeli prisons