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September 19, 2025 – Palestine –
Israeli occupation soldiers reportedly assaulted a Palestinian journalist and a doctor during a raid on the town of Arraba, south of Jenin, in the early hours of Friday. The victims were identified as Ahmad Zaki Al-Aridi, a journalist, and Dr. Nidal Al-Arda, both of whom suffered physical assaults after soldiers stormed and ransacked their homes. Witnesses said the two men were beaten during the raid, with their families also subjected to intimidation as property was destroyed. Reports from local media highlighted the severity of the violence, noting that Al-Aridi and Al-Arda were left with visible injuries.
The assault sparked condemnation across Palestinian outlets, with many viewing it as another example of Israel’s ongoing pattern of targeting civilians engaged in critical societal roles, such as journalism and healthcare. Press freedom advocates warned that such incidents reflect deliberate attempts to silence journalists and obstruct reporting on military operations in the West Bank. The targeting of a doctor alongside a journalist has been described as a stark reminder of the risks faced by professionals committed to serving the public in conflict zones.
According to Wafa and other Palestinian media, the raid on Arraba involved house searches, destruction of personal belongings, and the use of excessive force. The Palestinian Information Center reported that no arrests were made during the operation, raising further questions about the motive behind the attacks. The soldiers reportedly departed after leaving both Al-Aridi and Al-Arda injured, without offering any explanation for the violence.
Human rights observers stress that these assaults fit into a broader context of escalating Israeli military operations in the West Bank, where night raids, arbitrary arrests, and violence against civilians have become frequent. The absence of accountability for such acts has deepened mistrust and fueled calls for international intervention.
Journalists’ syndicates and medical associations in Palestine have urged global watchdogs, including the United Nations and press freedom organizations, to investigate the assault. They argue that the protection of journalists and healthcare workers is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law, yet in practice, both groups remain highly vulnerable. For many, the incident in Jenin symbolizes the growing dangers of living and working under military occupation.
Reference –
https://imemc.org/article/soldiers-assault-journalist-doctor-near-jenin/
