Palestinian Journalist Latifeh Abdellatif Detained by Israeli Authorities Amid Incitement Allegations

Palestinian freelance photojournalist Latifeh Abdellatif was arrested on March 16, 2025, by Israeli forces in Jerusalem’s Old City on charges of incitement and supporting terrorism. The allegations stem from her social media activity, including posting a video featuring Yahya Sinwar, a former leader of Hamas. Abdellatif’s work, published by international outlets such as Reuters, ABC News, BBC, Al Jazeera, and TRT, often focuses on documenting life and conflict in Jerusalem.

Following her arrest, an Israeli court initially ordered her release under strict conditions, including bail and a temporary ban from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, Israeli police appealed this decision, resulting in her continued detention. Abdellatif denies the charges, maintaining that her posts are part of her legitimate journalistic work aimed at reporting events on the ground.

The arrest highlights the mounting pressure on journalists operating in conflict zones like Jerusalem, where covering sensitive political and security issues can lead to accusations of incitement. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other press freedom organizations have expressed concern about the increasing number of journalist arrests in the region, stressing the need to protect journalists’ rights to report freely without fear of retaliation.

Abdellatif has a history of facing harassment by Israeli authorities. Notably, in May 2021, she was physically assaulted during a reporting incident, suffering beatings, pepper spray exposure, and having her headscarf forcibly removed while filming the detention of a young Palestinian boy.

Her ongoing detention underscores the dangerous environment for journalists covering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where legal charges are sometimes used to suppress critical reporting. The case has drawn international attention as part of broader concerns about press freedom in contested areas and the treatment of Palestinian journalists.

Advocates worldwide continue to call for Abdellatif’s release and greater safeguards for journalists working under hazardous conditions, emphasizing that protecting press freedom is essential for transparency and accountability in conflict zones.