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January 28, 2025 – Iran –
An unnamed journalist from Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB has been detained by Israeli forces in the occupied Palestinian territories, Tehran confirmed on January 28, 2025. IRIB head Peyman Jebelli revealed that the journalist is currently imprisoned—not in Gaza—and that the family has opted for discretion, complicating release efforts.
Jebelli expressed hope for the journalist’s release, underscoring the high risks facing media workers in conflict zones. He highlighted how Israeli military operations in the region have created a hazardous environment for journalists, citing more than 200 media workers killed since the Israeli airstrikes began in October 2023.
Iran’s state outlets emphasize that foreign journalists often face arbitrary arrests in the occupied territories, painting these detentions as retaliation against actual reporting. Hamas has labeled such actions—including arrests, violence, and killings of journalists—as “war crimes,” accusing Israeli forces of targeting media to “terrorize Palestinian journalists and prevent them from performing their role.”
No official confirmation or explanation has come from Israeli authorities. The journalist’s entry route into occupied territory remains unclear, given that Iran and Israel have no diplomatic ties. The arrest adds to a worrying trend: journalists and media workers covering the Gaza war are increasingly vulnerable to targeted threats, both lethal and coercive, with numerous cases of detention without charge.
This incident emphasizes the broader danger to press freedom within the Gaza conflict and the occupied territories, illustrating how journalists face systematic suppression and peril. It also reflects Iran’s role in publicly advocating for detained media professionals. While the journalist remains in custody, IRIB and Iranian officials continue to monitor and support efforts toward release.
The case raises urgent questions about accountability and the protection of journalists under international law. The international community, journalists’ unions, and rights groups are expected to demand clarity on the journalist’s condition and treatment, calling for unhindered media access and the protection of journalists operating amid high-intensity conflict.
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