Israeli Forces Detain Palestinian Journalist Latifeh Abdellatif Amidst Press Freedom Concerns

On March 16, 2025, Palestinian freelance photojournalist Latifeh Abdellatif was arrested by Israeli forces in Jerusalem’s Old City. She faces charges of “incitement” and “supporting terrorism,” primarily due to her social media posts, including a video of late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar expressing a desire for martyrdom.

Abdellatif’s work has been featured by major international outlets such as Reuters, ABC News, BBC, Al Jazeera, and TRT. Her arrest has raised significant concerns among press freedom organizations. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023, there has been an “unprecedented” number of journalist arrests, with 70 out of 75 documented cases attributed to Israeli authorities.

Following her arrest, an Israeli court initially ordered Abdellatif’s release. However, Israeli police appealed the decision, leading to her continued detention. Her lawyer contends that the posts in question are part of her journalistic work and are over six months old, thus not posing a current threat.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by journalists operating in conflict zones, where their reporting can lead to legal repercussions. The international community continues to monitor the situation, advocating for the protection of press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.