Annual Report 2018

Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Completed under the supervision of: Mousa Rimawi

Prepared and edited by: Ghazi Bani Odeh

Coordination: Shireen AlKhatib Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine ANNUAL REPORT 2018

This report has been prepared with the support of European Union office in Jerusalem The content of this report does not reflect the official opinion of the European Union.

27 ...... violations of Details

25 ...... Annex

...... Recommendations 24

23 ...... Questioning and Summoning

...... Arrests 22

20 ...... Attacks Physical

20 ...... Strip Gaza in Violations Palestinian

19 ...... Bank West the in Violations Palestinian

18 ...... Violations Palestinian The

17 ...... Coverage Media from Preventing

...... Arrests 16

14 ...... outlets Media Targeting

12 ...... Attacks Physical

Journalists of Killing The ...... 9

Attacks Serious Most The ...... 7

...... Violations Israeli 7

...... Introduction 5

OF TABLEفهرس CONTENTSالمحتويات

2018 Introduction

PREAMBLE:

The year 2018 has witnessed a rise in the number and seriousness of attacks against female and male journalists, and media freedoms in Palestine, compared to the previous year. The increase in the number and serioueness of the Israeli attacks has culminated in the killing of two Palestinian journalists by the Israeli occupation army snipers, namely (Yasser Abdelrahman Murtaja 30 years old, and Ahmad Abu Hussein 24 years old). This is in addition to the injuries of dozens by live bullets, explosive bullets, and gas bombs, directly fired at them in the course of their work which resulted in serious injuries. During 2018, MADA-the Palestinian Center for Development & Media Freedoms has documentd and moniterd a total of 584 attacks committed against media freedoms in Palestine, 455 of which are committed by the Israeli occupation (accounted for 78%), while 129 are committed by various Palestinian authorities, in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, accounted for 22% out of the attacks during 2018. Violations against media freedoms in Palestine during 2018 according to the party that committed the violation Palestinian Palestinian Israeli Party authorities – authorities – Total Occupation West Bank Gaza Strip Number 455 88 41 584 The total number of attacks in 2018 has increased by a total of 54 attacks compared to the overall Israeli and Palestinian attacks during the past year, 2017. In other words, this increase in percentage terms accounts for more than 10%, even though in 2017 an increase by 38% was moniterdcompared to 2016. This means that in just two years, (2017 and 2018), a total increase in the number of attacks against media freedoms in Palestine exceeding 52% was witnessed. This period has also witnessed serious levels of violence in the suppression of media freedoms by the Israeli occupation. A reading of the total figures during the past 10 years (including last year 2018) has showed that an average of 30 attacks against media freedoms are moniterd each month in Palestine throughout this period1. However, the rate of attacks in the year 2018 alone exceeded 48 attacks during each month; that is, an increase by 60% out of the general average during the last decade. Having viewed the Israeli and Palestinian attacks separately in terms of the rate of their occurrence, it was found that an average of 21 Israeli attacks were moniterd every month over the past ten years, but the rate has risen in the past year 2018 alone to about 38 Israeli attacks every month. As for the Palestinian attacks, its average number during the past 10 years amounted to 9.4 per month. During the past year 2018, the number of Palestinian attacks against media freedoms has retalively and limitedly increased to 10.7 attacks each month.

1 This includes both Israeli and Palestinian attacks.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 5 2018 Introduction

Attacks committed during 2018 in terms of the to the party that committed the attack Palestinian Authorities - Gaza

Israeli Attacks in the West Bank and Gaza

Palestinian Authorities - West Bank

In other words, female/male journalists and media outlets in Palestine were, over the past year 2018, exposed to an average of 1.6 attacks per day or more than 3 attacks every two days. (Attacks against journalists and media freedoms in Palestine during the past ten years) Palestinian Year Israeli attacks Total attacks 2009 97 76 173 2010 139 79 218 2011 100 106 206 2012 164 74 238 2013 151 78 229 2014 351 114 465 2015 407 192 599 2016 249 134 383 2017 376 154 530 2018 455 129 584 Total 2489 1136 3625

6 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Israeli Violations

Israeli and Palestinian attacks committed during the past ten years

600

500

400

300

200

100

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

ISRAELI VIOLATIONS

Israeli attacks continued to escalate, in terms of quantity and seriousness. During 2018, the Israeli attacks have risen by a total of 79 attacks compared to the year 2017 by a rate of 21%. The year 2017 has witnessed a high record by 51% compared to 2016. It is worth mentioning that if 2016 was more like a measurement year, the year 2018 has witnessed an increase in Israeli attacks against media freedoms in Palestine, amounted to 83%, compared to 2016. This shows part of the picture of the situation in which journalists and media agencies in Palestine are involed not to mention the challenges and risks posed to their lives, safety and ability to do their jobs. (Israeli violations during the past ten yaers) Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Total Number 97 139 100 164 151 351 407 249 376 455 2489

î The Most Serious Attacks: The Israeli attacks fall within 15 categories (in addition to another varied set of attacks classified and included together under “other attacks”). However, the most serious attacks which have affected female/male journalists and media outlets in Palestine (among the fifteen categories previously mentioned) fall under seven categories, namely: the murder of journalists which have affected two of the Palestinian journalists, physical injuries, arrest and detention, destruction or closure of headquarters , confiscation, or seizure or damaging equipment. The seven categories of most serious attacks previously mentioned included a total of 346 out of the total Israeli attacks amounted to 455, equivalent

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 7 2018 Israeli Violations

Israeli attacks committed during the past ten years

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 to 76% of the total attacks committed by Israeli occupation forces against media freedoms in Palestine in 2018. Israeli Violations during 2018 in terms of the type of violation No. Type of violation Number 1 Physical attacks-injuries 240 2 Administrative arrest-detention-transfer 41 3 Prohibition of media coverage 72 4 Confiscate/seize/damage equipment – vehicles 18 5 Detention (including questioning) 41 6 Raiding institutions-houses 5 7 Human shields 1 8 Summoning and questioning 4 9 Travel ban 2 10 Threatening 5 11 Deleting materials 4 12 Incitement and defamation 1

13 Closure of institutions 2

8 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Israeli Violations

14 Destruction of institutions 2 15 Murder 2 16 Other attacks 15 Total 455

The Line Chart of the Israeli and Palestinian attacks during the past ten years

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

The Killing of Journalists: There is no doubt that the killing of the two journalists, Yasser Abdelrahman Murtaja (30 years old), and Ahmad “Mohammad Ashraf” Hassan Abu Hussein (24 years old), by the Israeli occupation snipers, while they were covering the peaceful return marches in Gaza Strip, with no more than one week between each2, are not only the most cruel and serious offences committed against media freedoms in Palestine, but they also clearly reveal the limitless cruelty of the Israeli Occupation forces towards female/male journalists and media outlets. One of the Israeli occupation army snipers, on 6th April 2018, have shot the photojournalist of “Ain Media”, Yasser Abdelrahman Murtaja (while he was covering the events of the return peaceful march in Khuza’a, east of Gaza). It should be noted that at the moment he was shot and injured, he was at a distance of 350 meters away from the separating fence on the other side of which the Israeli soldiers were deployed according to the data collected by MADA field researcher from an eye-witness who was accompanying the

2 The journalist Yasser Murtaja, was injured on 6th April 2018 by an explosive gunshot. Few hours following his injury (on the same day) he died, while the journalist, Ahmad Abu Hussein, was injured on 13th April 2018 (one week after Murtaja’s death) by an explosive gunshoy as well. However, (Abu Hussein) died on 26th April 2018, ten days after his injury as the doctors could not save his life.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 9 2018 Israeli Violations journalist, Murtaja. His coworker, Hussam Hisham Salem (29 years old), who works for the same agency, reported to MADA “On Friday, corresponding 6th April 2018, we went to Khuza’a, southern Gaza, specifically, to Al- Awda Camp, to cover the events of the second-Friday return peaceful march, and we filmed the prayers there. Upon the completion of prayer, the demonstrators set fire to tires, and Yasser was filming the events, while standing behind the demonstrators. He wear the Press shield(vest) and helmet, 350 meters away from the border fence (where the Israeli soldiers and snipers were deployed). The soldiers started firing metal bullets at the demonstrators which resulted in the injury of one of them at first, and then the injury of Yasser by an explosive bullet of an Israeli sniper injuring his left flank through his right flank causing shattering inside his abdomen”. As soon as he was wounded, Murtaja was transferred to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and then to the operating room where he underwent a 4-hour operation during which part of the liver was removed. It was found that the bullet caused damage to the spleen and rupture to some artieries. He lost a lot of blood which is why the doctors gave him 16 blood units. After the operation, he was taken back to the ICU where he was supposed to remain under observation for 24 hours. At around 12:00 at night (ten hours after his injury), his health situation worsened, forcing doctors to bring him back into the operating room, and after an hour under the operations, he was announced dead. The Israeli Attacks during 2018 in terms of type

destruction of institutions human shields closure of institutions

incitement and defamation other attacks murder

travel ban

summoning and questioning

threatening

raiding institutions/houses

deleting materials

Confiscate/seizure/damage equipment Physical attacks-injuries

detention of journalists

arrest and detention

prevention of coverage

On the following Friday, corresponding 13th April 2018, only one week later, in a similar scenario, an Israeli sniper fired an explosive bullet at the freelance

10 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Israeli Violations journalist of “Sawt AL-Shaab” Radio, Ahmad “Mohammad Ashraf” Hassan Abu Hussein, (24 years old) while he was covering the events of the return peaceful march in Abu Safiya, east of Jabalia, Gaza Strip, resulting in his death 12 days after his injury despite the several attempts of doctors to save his life. According to the field invetigations conducted by MADA researcher, and the information collected by an eye-witnesses, at around 2:15PM, on Friday, corresponding 13th April 2018, the journalist, Ahmad Abu Hussein was injured by an explosive gunshot in the left side of his abdomen, fired at him by one of the Israeli occupation soldiers while he was doing his work in Al-Awda Camp, east of Abu Safiya, east of Jabalia Refugee Camp, north Gaza Strip. It should be noted that he was wearing his Press uniform (a helmet marked TV, a blue vest marked Press), and he was standing in Jakar street, 300 meters away from the border fence (where the Israeli soldiers and snipers were deployed). According to the eye-witnesses (Thaer Fadel Ahmad Al- Zaanen, Nour Al-Deen Abdelsater, and Ramadan Al-Kurdi), Abu Hussein, on Friday, corresponding 13th April 2018, at 8:00AM, was filming the peaceful demonstrators. He waited in the journalists’ tent until 2:00PM, and when the number of demonstrators started to increase in parallel with the heavy firing of gas bombs and live bullets by the Israeli occupation army, he left the tent, which was 700 meters away from the border fence, down Jakar street (300 meters away from the border fence), and positioned himself near the vehicles and ambulance to film the events. Ten minutes after he arrived, at around 2:10PM, while he was very busy filming the demonstrators who were near the separating fence, he was injured by a gunshot in the left side of his abdomen and fell to the ground. He was transferred by an ambulance to the Indonesian Hospital, north Gaza Strip, where he was immediately taken to the operations room and underwent a livesaving operation, as he was suffering from internal bleeding, according to the eye-witness doctors who were at the Hospital and described his condistion as serious. After the Israeli foot-dragging, and due to pressures by several Human Rights Organizations, the Israeli occupation, at around 7:00PM, on Sunday, corresponding 15th April 2018, allowed to transfer him to the West Bank to receive treatment. He arrived at Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah by the ambulance, at around 12:00 midnight. On the following morning (Monday, corresponding 16th April 2018) he underwent a surgery and his situation became relatively stable until the evening of Thursday, corresponding (19th April 2018), his health condition relapsed and he was transferred to Israel Tel Hashomer hospital (the only Israeli hospital which agreed to admit him). He arrived the hospital at 12:00 midnight, the doctors were on their Friday-Saturday leave. On Sunday, corresponding 22nd April 2018, the Israeli doctors gathered to evaluate his condition, and decided that there is no treatment for him as he suffers from brain damage. They decided to send him back to Gaza Strip; however, his mother refused, and he remained in hospital until he was announced dead at around 3:35PM, on Wednesday, corresponding 25th April 2018.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 11 2018 Israeli Violations

Physical Attacks: Israeli physical attacks against journalists continued to rise during 2018, until they amounted to 242 attacks (including two murders of two journalists) compared to a total of 137 physical attacks monitered during the preceding year 2017. By comparing the years 2017 and 2018, and in parallel with the increasing number of attacks, the proportion of the annual total Israeli attacks has sharply risen. Where the Israeli physical attackes constituted a rate of 37% out of the total Israeli attacks commited during 2017, these attacks have jumped during 2018 and exceeded 53% out of the registered Israeli attacks. In other words, more than half of the Israeli attacks are increasingly targeting female/male journalists directly, while the remaining attacks range between the other 15 types of attackes varying in seriousness, but in general, aimed at silencing journalists and hindering their work in Palestine. Most of the physical attacks fall under the extremely serious attacks which reflect the systematic targeting of female/male journalists aimed at keeping them away from the field or spreading terror among them to prevent them from covering the events by the excesive use of force. Israeli physical attacks during the past ten years and their proportion out of the total Israeli attacks Total Israeli Proportion of total Israeli Year Physical attacks attacks attacks 2009 97 34 35% 2010 139 89 64% 2011 100 55 55% 2012 164 80 48.7% 2013 151 87 58% 175 (17 of which 2014 351 49.8% murders) 166 (one of which 2015 407 41% murder) 58 (one of which 2016 249 23.3% murder) 2017 376 139 37% 2018 455 242 53% Total 2489 1125 45.19% The physical attacks monitered during 2018, amounting to 242, could be classified into two main groups: first: the most serious and grave attacks, which amounted to 127 attacks, all resulting from the use of live ammunition (live and explosive bullets), metal bullets, and gas bombs, injuring dozens of female/male journalists directly, in serious and sensitive parts of their

12 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Israeli Violations bodies. Second: the remaining physical attacks totaling to 115 caused by beating (some of which have resulted in serious injuries and fractures to a number of journlaists), or severe suffocation requiring medical aid in the field or in the health centers and hospitals. This is in addition to other numbers of injuries difficult to pin down caused to female/male journalists who suffered suffocation without receiving medical aid.

Israeli Physical Attacks during the past ten years

250

200

150

100

0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

With regard to the first group of physical injuries totaled to 127, these injuries are distributed to 54 female/male journalists who were injured by live and explosive bullets and 73 female/male journalists wounded by metal bullets, rubber bullets and gas bombs fired directly at their bodies. In all these cases, the victims of female/male journalists have suffered severe injuries; some of them resulted in permanent disabilities, not to mention that two journalists, namely, Ahmad Abu Hussein and Yasser Murtaja, have died. For example, photographer of Falasteen Newspaper, Yasser Abdullah Qudaih, was wounded by an explosive bullet in the abdomen on 14th May, causing serious injuries to him. He underwent a quick rescue operation, and later, parts of the spleen were removed and then he was transferred to Al- Makassed Hospital in Jerusalem due to his serious situation. Furthermore, on 27th April, the freelance journalist, Abdul Rahman Hani Al-Kalhout was wounded by an explosive bullet in the right foot. He underwent three operations to remove the fragments and treat the laceration caused by the injury. The photographer Ahmad Salim Barbakh / Muammar was wounded on 30th of March by an explosive bullet in the abdomen. The x-ray showed that 14 fragments have settled in his body causing internal bleeding. About 30 cm of his intestines was removed. On 31st March, the journalist, Wissam Atef Mousa, was injured by two gunshots in both legs. Both bullets penetrated his both legs (causing an entrance and exit). The bullet that injured his left leg (believed to be 250 caliber) caused severe rupture of the leg muscle. The reporter of Middle East Monitor, Mutasem Ahmad Ibrahim Daloul, was injured on 11th May by an explosive gunshot in his back causing him wounds in the kidneys, lungs, and liver. He stayed in the intensive care unit for five days and he also stayed another ten days in the Surgery Section. He

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 13 2018 Israeli Violations continued revising doctors after 15 days of hospitalization. In the course of 2018, the Israeli soldiers deliberately fired tear gas bombs at the bodies of female/male journalists in the field. A total of 33 such cases were documented, most of which caused serious and severe injuries to journalists. This reflects the methodology of the Israeli occupation army to inflict the most severe harm on female/male journalists and to keep them away from the field of work. Among all of these cases falling under the most serious and severe injuries, it should be indicated, for example, to the injury of the vediographer of Reuters, Bassam Mohammad Masoud, on 18th May, twice only within 20 minutes while he was covering the events of the return peaceful march east of Khan Younes. The first injury was relatively minor as he was wounded by a gas bomb in the abdomen (even though he was wearing the Press shield). As a result to this injury, his phone was damaged. Only 20 minutes later, he was injured by another gas bomb fired by an Israeli soldier directly at his ear, causing him injuries and laceration that required 12 stitches. On 19th Sep. 2018, the photographer of the Turkish Agency, Thaer Khaled Fahmi Abu Rayash, was injured by a gas bomb in the left side of his head while he was covering the return peaceful march east of Gaza. This injury caused him wounds and bleeding that required 6 stitches. After few several days, he felt dizziness and poor vision in the left eye. This is in addition to the injury of the journalist, Hanin Mahmoud Baroud, in the same area (east of Gaza) one week after a similar injury. One of the occupation soldiers fired at her a gas bomb that injured her head directly, causing her wounds that required 8 stitches. In the West Bank, specifically in Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya School, while the French News Agency photographer, Jafar Ishtaya, was filming some Palestinian families and officials, as well as the Minister of Education, and Nablus Governor, opening the above mentioned school that the Israeli occupation army ordered to be closed on the previous day; the soldiers raided the place and forced the students and citizens to get out of the school by firing rubber bullets and gas bombs. While the journalist, Ishtaya, exited at the main gate of the school, one of the soldiers, from a very close distance, fired a gas bomb at him and wounded his head. After he was transferred to Rafidia Hospital(Nablus), it was found that his wounds caused him fracture in the skull and brain concussion. The doctors described his condition then by moderate. Targeting Media outlets: The Israeli occupation army and authorities during 2018 have destroyed two media outlets, closed another two, and seized the equipment and machines of another one. It should be noted that the number of media outlets and printing houses targeted during 2018 is few (only 5) compared to the number of closed and targeted during 2017, amounting to 17. This is in addition to the seizure and vandalism of equipment for a total of 27. However, the serioueness of the attacks monitered during 2018 targeting media outlets in Palestine which have affected a limited number of them (only five), is no less great

14 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Israeli Violations than those moniterd during the past year. Especially that the attacks of the occupation army during 2018, in contrast to the preceding year, have included destroying two, namely Said Al-Mishal Establishment for Culture & Science, and Al-Aqsa TV Headquarters composed of five floors, in which 220 staff members are working. After the Israeli army warned the staff members through a phone call to evacuate the headquarters within minutes as the army will destroy it. Indeed, this is what actually happened. According to the investigations conducted by MADA field researcher, and based on the statements of the journalist, Saleem Muhsen Al-Sharafa, the presenter and preparer of Al-Aqsa TV programs, Al-Sharafa has received a phone call from a private number (no caller ID), at around 8:20 PM, on Monday, corresponding 12th Nov. 2018, when he just arrived his home on his way back from work. The caller introduced himself as “Abu Dawoud” from the Israeli Intelligence Services, and asked him “Where are you?”, Al- Sharafa replied that he just arrived the house. The Israeli officer asked him to inform his coworkers at the TV Office to evacuate the headquarters as it will be bombed by the Israeli drones after 10 minutes. Al-Sharafa questioned his credibility, and the officer replied “when you see the reconnaissance rockets, you will be certain, but then you will be held responsible for the lives of your coworkers if you did not tell them. Now go and tell them to leave the headquarters room by room”. Immediately, Al-Sharafa contacted his coworkers and told them what happened. He was informed that the same caller has contacted another number of the staff members at the TV Headquarters, namely, the Programs Director, Imad Zaqout, and the Broadcaster, Islam Bader, and asked them to evacuate the headquarters immediately as it will be bombed. Immediately, the staff members started leaving the headquarters, and before everyone left, the launching of the “warning” reconnaissance rockets started intermittently at around 8:30PM. About eight “warning” rockets were launched at the headquarters within half an hour. At around 9:00, an F16 targeted the headquarters with four rockets fired intermittently until 9:25PM, which led to the complete destruction of the headquarters including the equipment and machines. The staff members could not take out any of the equipment or machines. Furthermore, the destruction of the headquarters led to some damage to the neighbouring houses near the headquarters located in a residential area. The TV transmission enterrupted completely for few minutes; however, Al-Aqsa TV managed, few minutes later, to continue its transmission from another place. MADA field researcher, who followed up the bombing of the headquarters from the very first moment, has documented that a reconnaissance aircraft has targeted the headquarters with eight rockets, with two minutes only between each. This was right before the F16 warplane started firing four rockets at the headquarters resulting in its complete destruction. According to the statements of Al-Aqsa TV Director, Ibrahim Thaher, to MADA researcher, “the TV headquarters is composed of five floors, with a total area of 1000 square meters (half of which is studios), with about 220 staff members. The losses incurred by the office due to the destruction of its headquarters are estimated at about 4 million USD. The time given by the occupation to evacuate the headquarters was not enough, given the

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 15 2018 Israeli Violations great number of staff members. The staff were unable to take out any of the expensive equipment from the Headquarters and they were completely destroyed”. This is the second time the headquarters of Al-Aqsa TV is destroyed as it was first bombed and destroyed during the last war on Gaza Strip of 2014. In a similar scenario, Said Al-Mishal Establishment for Culture & Science was also destroyed in Gaza, in the afternoon of Thursday, corresponding 9th August 2018, for allegedly being used as Hamas headquarters. In addition to that, the Israeli authorities have prohibited Al-Quds TV to operate in the occupied city of Jerusalem and inside Israel. They also prohibited Al-Basheer ProMedia, a media production corporation, rendering media services to the TV Office, to work with the Office. The Israeli police summoned the Director and two of its staff members, questioned them in parallel with arresting Al-Quds TV reporter who works for the Office from home. The Israeli authorities informed them to stop working with the TV office under any circusmtances and this happened on 9th July 2018. Moreover, the Israeli intelligence services closed “Elia for Media” Agency after it was raided on the afternoon of 18th April 2018, located in Salah Al-Din street, in the occupied city of Jerusalem, given that none of the staff members were in the headquarters then. They avoided coming to the headquarters on that day because of a tweet by the Israeli Defense Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, posted two days before the event (Monday, April 16, 2018) on Twitter describing Elia For Media as a “terrorist agency”. The Israeli police and intelligence officers placed a closure order at the agency’s entrance until further notice, as reported to MADA by the Agency’s Director, Ahmad Hussein Al-Safadi. Furthermore, the occupation army has raided Al-Noor Printing house, in Ramallah, at dawn, on 6th Dec. 2018, after blowing up its main doors and seizing 6 printing machines of various types, and a computer. Mr. Khaled Hussein Musafer, has estimated the losses resulting thereof by more than 32,000 NIS. It should be noted that this is the third time Al-Noor is raided and vandalized. On 30th Dec. 2017, Al-Noor was similarly raided by the Israeli Army and seized all of the printing machines, equipment and computers. They also raided and vandalized it p8,reviously on 30th Jan. 2017, and seized 25 printing machines and a computer then. Arrests: The yaer 2018 has witnessed a rise in the number of journalists who were arrested or detained by the Israeli ooccupation army and authorities compared to the preceding year. The year 2018 has witnessed a total of 41 arrests and detentions compared to 33 arrests and detentions witnessed in 2017; that is, an increase estimated by eight cases. Among these cases is the arrest and detention of five female journalists and media students, namely: Ola Marshoud, Manal Al-Jabari, Lama Khater, Israa Khader, and Suzan Al-Ewiwi. The journalist, Manal Al-Jabari, who works for B’TSELEM, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied

16 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Israeli Violations

Territories, in Hebron, was arrested and detained twice during her field work in Hebron in 2018. One of these arrests took place on 22nd April 2018, and she was assaulted by girl soldiers who handcuffed her and tried to strip and search her when she attempted to film the occupation soldiers detaining one woman and two young men at a military barrier, near the Cave of the Patriarchs, in Hebron. This was culminated by a decision to keep her away and prevent her from accessing the Cave of the Patriarchs for a period of 15 days. She was also prevented from covering the events in that sensitive and critical area. (the Israeli arrests of jousnalists during the last ten years)

Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Total N0 7 18 12 13 13 13 20 46 33 41 216 The conditions for the arrest and detention of these female/male journalists have varied. Some of them were arrested from their homes during the night hours, while others were detained in the field while covering events. Preventing from coverage was the main motive for most of these arrests. Like with the journalist Manal Al-Jabari, who was assaulted during her arrest, removed from the field, and prevented from coverage for 15 days, many other journalists were arrested, detained, and subjected to physical assaults and measures that prevent them from coverage, or keep them away from the work field, or other measures that lead to the same. On May 31, 2011, Wahbi Makiya was beaten by the Israeli police in Jerusalem (with their fists and legs) while he was filming a program for the Fourth Dimension of Media Production, in which he works as a freelance photographer. Then, he was taken to the police investigation center in Salah Al-Din Street in the city, where he was threatened with imprisonment and remained in detention for four hours before he was released at 8:00PM. Ahmad Al-Safadi, the Director of Elia Media Agency, was arrested and detained three times during 2018. In one of them, he was arrested from his home on 5th June 2018 and it ended up with his release on bail after he was forced by the occupation authorities not to participate or attend any popular events for a month, not to mention that he was prevented from media coverage for one month. The same happened to the author Rassem Obeidat, who is also from Jerusalem. After being arrested and interrogated for several hours, he was returned after three days. He was arrested for four days and he was subsequently released under restricted conditions of paid bail and house arrest for a week prvided he shall not participate in any national economic and social activities for one month. The same scenario of removal from the field of events and preventing from media coverage unfolded for various periods, in addition to house arrest, or beatings withanother number of journalists who were arrested or detained during 2018. Preventing from Media Coverage: Preventing from coverage and blurring the actions of the Israeli occupation army and authorities as well as their policies and attacks in Palestine are deemed as the first and last target of the Israeli occupation authorities and army attacks against journalists and media outlets.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 17 2018 The Palestinian Violations

Blurring and blocking the picture and events is done by various methods including physical assaults and killings, the arrest of journalists, the closure or destruction of media outlets, and the direct prevention of media coverage, which may be considered the least dangerous compared to the other attacks that lead directly and indirectly to the removal of journalists and media outlets from the field of events. That is, it fulfills the occupation authorities and army wishes represented in not conveying the image of what is happening and restrict the same to the occupation’s scenario. With regard to the direct prevention of media coverage, MADA has documented during 2018 a total of 72 cases of prohibition of media coverage (many of which included more than one journalist or a group of journalists). It also documented 41 cases of detaining journalists while they were covering events in the field, in addition to four cases in which the occupation forces has deleted materials filmed by female/male journalists in the field. This means that a total of 117 cases of prohibition of media coverage registered during 2018 out of the overall Israeli attacks amounted to 455, equivalent to about 26% of the overall Israeli attacks. The year 2017 has witnessed a total of 77 cases of prohibition of media coverage distributed to 38 cases of direct prohibition of coverage amd 39 cases of detaining female/male journalists on their duty in the field in addition to five cases in which the materials filmed by journalists were deleted. Comparing between 2018, in which 117 cases of prohibition of coverage were registered, and 2017 in which 77 cases of prohibition of media coverage were registered, it is evident that the number of this type of Israeli attacks has risen in 2018 by 40 cases, equivalent to about 52% compared to the preceding year. THE PALESTINIAN VIOLATIONS

In comparison with the previous year, the number of Palestinian violations against media freedoms in the West Bank and Gaza Strip declined from 154 in 2017 to a total of 129 attacks in 2018, most of which occurred in the West Bank (88 violations) while 41 violations occurred in Gaza Strip. (The Palestinian violations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the past ten years) Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Total No 76 79 106 74 78 114 192 134 154 129 1136 Although it has declined by 25, a rate of 16%, in 2017, this decline does not reflect a real or positive improvement in the status of media freedoms in Palestine in terms of the respect for media freedoms by the governing Palestinian authorities in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This decline is attributed to two main reasons, firstly, the limited number of events and field activities (demonstrations, marches, sit-ins…etc) involving friction with the official authorities in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The second reason is the prevalence of self-censorship and the avoidance of female/male journalists and the media agencies to address many issues that

18 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 The Palestinian Violations they are aware will cause them troubles if they would publish.

Palestinian Attacks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the past ten years

120

100

0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

West Bank Gaza

For example, An-Najah National University has prevented the media student, Osama Arar, on 17th March 2018, to enter the university where he studies (something like suspendion) because of a Facebook post he shared on his account in which he compared between his University (An-Najah) and Birzeit University. The University security asked him to delete the post and to admit that he made a mistake. The Investigation Department at the Ministry of Interior in Gaza Strip has prevented, on 1st August 2018, the conclusion of a seminar at Abdullah Al-Hourani Center, organized in cooperation with the Journalists Syndicate, on the role of media in activating the prisoners issue, for allegedly not obtaining a prior authorization even though such seminars are usually concluded inside the center for many years. These two examples (not the only ones) indicate the available boundaries of media freedoms, how the media and journalists are handled, and the freedom of speech and expression by various Palestinian institutions, on top, the official and security institutions. î Palestinian Violations in the West Bank: The year 2018 has witnessed a total of 88 violations against media freedoms in the West Bank, which reflects a decline compared to those registered in 2017 (which has witnessed a total of 119 Palestinian attacks against media freedoms in the West Bank) by 31 violations; in terms of percentage, a decline at a rate of 26%. (Palestinian violations in the West Bank during the past ten years) Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Total No 49 46 44 37 28 90 116 86 119 88 703 The Palestinian violations in the West Bank during 2018 fall under ten types. However, the greatest part of which fall under three types, namely: summoning and questioning (21 cases), arrests and detentions (17 cases),

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 19 2018 The Palestinian Violations and physical assaults (16 cases). These three types have totaled to 54 attacks, at a rate of 61% of the overall Palestinian violations registered in the West Bank during 2018, amounted to 88 violations. î Palestinian Violations in Gaza Strip: The year 2018 has witnessed a slight rise in the number of Palestinian violations in Gaza Strip amounting to 41 violations, which is slightly higher than that registered in 2017, amounting to 35 violations. The Palestinian violations in Gaza Strip fall under six types; however, most of which fall under three types, namely: summoning and questioning, in most of the cases, associated with repeated detentions for long hours (24 cases), physical attacks (6 cases), deleting media and video material (5 cases). These types have totaled to 35 violations, constituting a rate of 85% of the overall Palestinian violations registered in Gaza Strip in 2018, totaling to 41 violations. (Palestinian Violations in Gaza Strip during the past ten years) Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Total N0 27 33 62 37 50 24 76 48 35 41 433 Apart from their number, the nature and types of Palestinian attacks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are very similar. The cases of summoning and questioning, including the part of which associated with long hours of detention under difficult cisrcumstances, and the cases of physical attacks in both, the West Bank and Gaza Strip, were mostly registered, which is much the same as in previous years in this particular segment. Physical Attacks: The number of Palestinian physical attacks against female/male journalists during 2018 has rised to 22 attacks (16 of which were committed in the West Bank and six in Gaza Strip) compared to 13 attacks committed by Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during 2017. The greatest part of these attacks in the West Bank during 2018 is represented in the suppression of the Palestinian security services in the West Bank of a protest held in Ramallah on 13th June 2018 to demand the suspension of sanctions on Gaza and to pay the salaries of employees there. The Palestinian security officers dressed in civilian clothes assaulted at least 12 journalists while covering the sit-in and prevented them from covering the event. These attacks were carried out in the presence of the Palestinian police who were in their uniforms. (Palestinian violations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during 2018 in terms of the type) No. Type of Violation West Bank Gaza Strip Total 1 Physical assault 16 6 22 2 Arrest/detention 17 0 17 Detention (mostly involving 3 questioning and prohibition of 3 5 8 coverage)

20 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 The Palestinian Violations

4 Summoning and questioning 21 20 41 5 Damaging equipment/vehicles 1 0 1 6 Raiding/institutions/houses 3 0 3 7 Blovking/jamming websites 1 0 1 8 Prohibition of coverage 6 2 8 9 Deleting materials 1 5 6 10 Other attacks 19 3 22 Total 88 41 129 These attacks have also affected three female journalists who were beaten and suppressed violently, namely: Hiba Hassan Iriqat, Naela Khalil, and Jihan Hassan Awad. About ten persons tried to cover the eyes of the journalist, Iriqat, handcuffed her hands, beaten and kicked her, which made her fall to the ground. They also tried to seize her cell phone even though she told them that she was a journalist, and showed them her press card. Furthermore, the journalist, Naela Khalil was also attacked by a number of persons who were putting hats marked “Fateh” not to mention that also security officers assaulted her and sprayed pepper at her face. Palestinian Attacks during 2018 in terms of type

Blocking/jamming websites

raiding institutions/ other attacks houses physical attacks

damaging equipment/ vehicles

detention

deleting materials

summoning and questioning prohibition of coverage arrest/detention

In similar circumstances, all of the physical attacks in Gaza Strip were against six journalists in suppressing a single sit-in organized in Gaza Strip, on 18th June 2018. Some persons belonging to Hamas and security officers (in civilian clothing) have assaulted female/male journalists while they were

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 21 2018 The Palestinian Violations covering a peaceful sit-in, organized by the Detainees and Ex-Detainees Commission, in cooperation with the Committee of Prisoners of National and Islamic Forces, in Al-Saraya Square, central Gaza, under the title (the Peaceful movement to end the division, lift sanctions, and recover the rights of staff members). They seized and smashed some of the equipment of these journalists and deleted the materials they filmed. They also prevented them from coverage, not to mention that they assaulted the demonstrators, smashed the rostrum which was prepared for the sit-in that was cancelled as a result. The discrepancy in the number of physical attacks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip registered in 2018 may be referred to the limited number of field activities (opposition to the policies of the governing authority) organized in Gaza Strip compared to the West Bank3, which are usually rejected and repressed by the security services, which has also affected Journalists and media outlets that are often prevented from coverage, and suppressed if they do so, as can be seen from these examples. Arrests: The year 2018 has witnessed a total of 17 cases of detention and arrest of journalists carried out by Palestinian authorities. This represents a decline by nearly the half compared to each record of detention and arrest in 2017, which witnessed 32 cases of arrest and detention in the West Bank and Gaza by the Palestinian authorities. (Palestinian arrests of journalists during the past six years) 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Total West Bank 8 14 18 15 24 17 96 Gaza Strip 14 1 13 6 8 0 42 Total 22 15 31 21 32 17 138 All of the arrest and detention cases which have targeted journalists during 2018 have occurred in the West Bank. The motives or justifications of the security services for arresting and detaining journalists are diverse, and may be directly related to materials they have published or other pretexts. As what has happened, for example, with the reporter of Al-Quds newspaper in Qalqilya, Mustafa Sabri, who was detained and questioned by the Preventive Security Service for two days. His personal card was siezed, and he was called four times after he was released, claiming that one of his sons “has received in 2014 his university fees from an embargoed authority”. Although no cases of arrest or detention were registered in Gaza Strip, the security services there have applied a method that amounts to arrest and detention in essence. They used the method of summoning and detaining a number of journalists for long hours, in some cases for more than 12 hours, until midnight. This was associated, in some cases, with detaining 3 For example, the security services in Gaza have prevented Fateh movement from commemorating its launch, which is celebrated on January 1 of each year. Note that the prevention of activities which the authority does not like is not limited to Gaza but is practiced by the security services in the West Bank as well.

22 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 The Palestinian Violations journalists in stinky cells. This process was repeated as the detainee was released at night provided he shall return on the following morning and re-detained for a similar period of time. For example, the journalists Samir Rafiq Sakaik, Ahed Hassan Farwana and Samah Younis Al-Jedi, who were summoned and detained by the Internal Security Agency in Gaza more than once for long hours. Summoning and Questioning: The summons and questioning, which may include threats, direct and indirect pressures, physical attacks, arrests and detentions are among the most prominent types of violations committed by the security services in the West Bank and Gaza Strip against female/male journalists. The abovementioned three types have accounted for 84 attacks in 2018 out of a total of 129 Palestinian violations against media freedoms in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, accounting for 65% of the overall Palestinian violations. (Cases of summoning, questioning, and detention in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during 2018 and the preceding five years) 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Total West Bank 19 25 23 23 28 21 118 Gaza Strip 5 6 15 28 4 24 62 Total 24 31 38 51 32 45 180 The number of summonses and questioning cases registered in 2018 has risen to 45 compared to 32 in the previous year in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This increase is mainly due to a significant increase in the number of cases recorded in Gaza Strip, which rose from 4 cases in 2017 to 24 cases.

Palestinian summoning and questioning procedures in the West Bank and Gaza during the past six years 30

0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

West Bank Gaza

Usually, the security agencies summon and question the female/male journalists for many reasons, mostly because of the materials or comments they post, or the threatening messages they transmit to them in connection to their media activities.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 23 2018 Recommendations

As was the case, for example, with Palestine TV staff in Gaza, who was summoned and questioned because of a television report on an attack against a child by persons belonging to Hamas in Gaza. The TV staff was prosecuted, summoned, and questioned by the Investigations Services in Gaza throughout a period of three days (25th, 26th, and 28th, August, 2018) for the charge of “forgery and fabrication”. They were also detained for relatively long periods. Or as was the case with the freelance journalist, Musab Khamis Qufaisha, who was summoned by the Palestinian Intelligence Service in Hebron on 25th Sep. 2018. He was questioned and forced to delete a news group he had created a month ago under the name of “Hebron People Group” after he was threatened to be arrested. It should be noted that this group included 1700 members, and it was posting political, social and economic news. This procedure (summoning and questioning) is sometimes used as a form of indirect punishment by repeating the summoning one or the other several times. Such a procedure is often take in parallel with detention which may last for hours at a time. RECOMMENDATIONS:

It is evident that the Israeli occupation authorities apply a policy based on silencing the Palestinian media outlets, and they apply this policy gradually. In our letter to three special rapporteurs at the United Nations, we have explained the nature of this policy and the procedures emanating thereof. Therefore, we recommend the dispatch of an international fact-finding mission, and to take a serious stance on the part of the international community represented by its bodies and agencies concerned against the policy of the occupation, as well as to hold accountable Israel for the same. Otherwise, the occupation policy would indeed silence the Palestinain media or most of the same, during the few coming years, and establish self- censoship. At the Palestinian level, and despite the decline in the number of violations by 19% compared to 2017, this decline does not reflect an actual improvement on the status of media freedoms in Palestine or a positive development to the respect for media freedoms in the West Bank and Gaza Strip by the governing Palestinian authorities. We still believe that decision makers address the significance of freedom of expression merely as a slogan for consumption and public relations, so we demand the respect of the freedom of expression, approve revelant media laws and access to information law, inaddition to to hold accountable those responsible of attacks against journalists.

24 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Annex

ANNEX (1)

(a list of Journalists martyrs murdered by Israeli Occupation forces since the beginning of (2000) Name of Journalist Date of martyrdom 1 Aziz Yousef Al-Tineh 28/10/2000 2 Mohammad Al-Bishawy 31/7/2001 3 Othman Al-Qatanany 31/7/2001 4 Rafael Cherillo 13/3/2002 5 Jamel Nowara 14/3/2002 6 Ahmad Numan 14/3/2002 7 Amjad Al-Alami 19/3/2002 8 Imad Abu Zahra 16/7/2002 9 Essam Mithkal Al-Talawi 22/6/2002 10 Fadi Nashat 12/4/2003 11 Nazih Adel Darwaza 19/4/2003 12 James Miller 2/5/2003 13 Mohammad Abu Halima 22/3/2004 14 Hassan Shaqoura 15/3/2008 15 Fadel Shana’a 16/4/2008 16 Omar Abdul Hafez Al – Silawi 3/1/2009 17 Basel Ibrahim Faraj 6/1/2009 18 Ihab Jamal Al-Wahidi 8/1/2009 19 Alaa Hammad Murtaja 9/1/2009 20 Mahmoud Al-Koumi 20/11/2012 21 Hussam Salama 20/11/2012 22 Mohammed Musa Abu Eisha 20/11/2012 23 Hamid Abdullah Shehab 9/7/2014 24 Najla Mahmoud Al-Hajj 10/7/2014 25 Khaled Ryad Hamad 20/7/2014 26 Abdul Rahman Ziad Abu Hain 23/7/2014 27 Bahaa Kamel Al-Gharib 29/7/2014 28 Izzat Salama Duhair 29/7/2014 29 Ahed Afif Zaqout 30/7/2014 30 Rami Fathi Rayyan 30/7/2014 31 Sameh Mohammad Al-Aryan 30/7/2014 32 Mohammad Majed Daher 31/7/2014

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 25 2018 Annex

33 Abdullah Nasser Qahjan 1/8/2014 34 Mahmoud Nour El-Din El-Diri 2/8/2014 35 Shadi Hamdy Ayyad 2/8/2014 36 Hamada Khaled Maqat 4/8/2014 37 Simon Camille (Italian) 13/8/2014 38 Ali Shehta Abou Afsh 13/8/2014 39 Abdullah Fadel Murtaja 25/8/2014 Ahmed Hassan Ali Jahajha 40 (media student and volunteer 16/12/2015 photographer) Iyad Omar Sajdiya (media student 1/3/2016 – (injured in the evening 41 at Al-Quds University) of 29/2/2016) 42 Yasser Abdel Rahman Murtaja 6/4/2018 Ahmed “Mohammed Ashraf” 25/4/2018 – (injured on 43 Hassan Abu Hussein 13/4/2018)

26 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

DETAILS OF VIOLATIONS:

January Samer Habash (Camera man) , the (8-1) Palestine TV Crew was car driver Abdallah Kwamleh and detained while preparing a TV Sameh Hussein, a member of Deir report, by IOF, Palestinian TV al-Hatab village council (east of correspondent Hani Ahmad Funoun Nablus) were detained, while we (34 years) reported to MADA: “Me were filming a report on the settler and my colleague, cameraman Fares attacks in the region this afternoon .” Jaznara, were preparing a TV report He added “an armed settler attacked on the closure of the entrance to us as soon as the army entered the the “Shifa” living compound that area, then the soldiers took the is a part of Beit Shuqayra Village settler away and took our IDs and we South of Bethlehem city, and about were detained for about 1 hour and a the citizens that are suffering due half, after contacting the Palestinian to the closure, I started the live liaison we were given our IDs back broadcast at 12 o’clock, and while I and let us go around 2:00 PM. was interviewing the coordinator of (9-1) Israeli police arrested the the wall and settlement resistance director of the “ILIAA” media committee, Hassan Bureijia, we were organization Ahmed Hussein al- surprised that the Israeli army force Safadi, (44 years), while covering was coming towards us from all a protest in Jerusalem. Safadi sides, and one of the soldiers stood Reported: “I was arrested at 11 o’clock in front of the camera and another in front of the American House soldier pulled the microphone from near the US Consulate while I was my hands and confiscated my covering the protest against Trump’s mobile phone.” decision to recognize Jerusalem as “The soldiers then took the program the capital of Israel, I was taken to guest to his car, searched him and al-Maskoubiya police station, and confiscated his ID, two additional there I was interrogated as organizer military jeeps arrived. The soldiers of the event at the Al-Dar Hotel, and were violent; while I was with Hassan of course I denied it. I was released Bureijia the soldier took my second around 3:00 pm on bail of NIS 5,000 phone and forced me to take off my until the court session”. coat. And after about 20 minutes (10-1) The Israeli occupation forces of inspection, they ordered us to detained five journalists and leave and not to return to this place prevented them from reaching the claiming that it is a closed military village of Madama, south of Nablus, zone.” to cover the clashes between the (9-1) Israeli soldiers detained settlers and the village citizens. Palestine crew while they were Nidal shafiq Shtayeh (46years) preparing a report on the settlers’ chines news agency photographer attacks Deir al-Hatab village. The reported to MADA “We went (a TV Correspondent Bakr Mohammed group of journalists Nidal Shtayeh, Al-Haq (28 years), Reported to Jafar Ashtia, Mohammad Turkman, MADA : “Me and my colleagues Mahmoud Fawzi and Muhammad

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 27 2018 Details of violations

Tarabi) at approximately 12:30 to cover clashes between the citizens of Madma village and the settlers. When we approached the village, a soldier stopped us at an Israeli checkpoint and confiscated our IDs and detained us, after 2 hours we got a phone call from the Palestinian liaison, telling us that the soldiers will give us our IDs after 10 min, but in (12-11) Al-Ghad Al-Arab Al-Arab TV one condition which is not going to correspondent Raed Mohammed Al- Madama Village to cover the clashes, Sharif (28 years) was hit by a sound in 10 min they gave us our IDs back grenade fired by an Israeli soldier and told us to leave”. while covering the clashes in Hebron. Al Sharif reported to MADA: “During (11-1) the Palestinian Preventive the clashes that accrued in Bab al- Security Service summoned the Zawiyeh in Hebron that started at media student at Hebron University, 10:30 am one of the soldiers who the freelance journalist Musab was standing on the roof of a house Khamis Qafisha (23 years), Qafisha fired a sound grenade towards me, reported to MADA: “I received an where it exploded between my legs, official summon from the Preventive causing me a minor burn and some Security in Hebron, demanding that scratches in my right thigh”. I go to their office the next day, after communicating with the Journalists I was transferred to Hebron public Syndicate, I did not go.” hospital “Alya” by an ambulance and there I got the needed treatment and (12-1) The Israeli occupation forces made sure there was no fractures”. attacked the crew of Al-Ghad Al- Arabi channel, where the reporter (14-1)The traffic police in Gaza of the channel Diaa Ahmed Hoshiya city summoned Alaa Abdel Aziz (33 years) Reported to MADA “while Salameh, 33, a radio announcer on covering me and my colleague the Al-Quds radio, and questioned him cameraman Munther Al-Khatib the about a comment he had posted on clashes at the entrance of Nablus Facebook about the police. Salameh city at about 2:30 PM on 12-1. The reported to MADA “Yesterday (13- force attacked the demonstraters, 1), I received a telephone call from and a soldier attacked me and my the director of the Gaza Traffic colleague Munther, we were forced Police asking me to come for an to move away from the location, interview, regarding a publication because an officer threatened to I had posted on Facebook about arrest us if we didn’t, which affected the humanitarian situation of traffic our ability to cover the clashes. police, the publication is a story Other journalists and media outlets recounted by a citizen about a traffic who were present at the location policeman who ordered falafel and were also attacked and prevented bread from the citizen instead of from coverage because they didn’t releasing him a traffic violation. At have press cards, but I did not know 10 am the next day (14-1) I went to any of them”. the General Directorate of Security. There I was interrogated about

28 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations the publication and why I wrote for Al-Arabya channel, Palestine it. I told him that the purpose of TV Cameraman Amir Abid-Rabo, the publication was to highlight AL –Anadol cameraman Mustafa the humanitarian situation of all AL- Kharouf, the correspondent for citizens, including police officers, Al-Kufyieh channel Nawal Hijazai, who are living in difficult financial and also the cameraman for the conditions. The aim was not to harm same channel Ghassan Abu Eid. All the prestige of the police. After I were at the location and they all got quoted an audio clip confirming attacked and where prevented from what I wrote, the interrogation was covering. terminated at about 1:30 pm, but (15-1) Amer Awni Ba’lousha (25 I remained in detention until 5:00 years) The correspondent of the pm, after the story of my detention Egyptian Newspaper (AL –Badeel ), spread over social media sites and was summoned by Bait Lahia (north after the intervention of some media of Gaza Strip) Investigation office. professionals, and after signing a Ba’lousha reported to MADA: ““On routine pledge not to address any 15/1 I received a telephone call from kind of exposure to them”. the Beit Lahia interrogation office (14-1) One of the Israeli police asking me to come for investigation , attacked Reuter’s cameraman I went to their office immediately, as Sinan Abdullah Abu Mizar (45 soon as I arrived they transferred me years) in Jerusalem, and prevented to the Director-General of Security 4 other journalists from covering and there I was asked questions the protests against the Trumps about my work, activities, , and who decision in Jerusalem, Bab Al-Asbat support me. I was detained for about area. Where demonstrators were 7 hours.” suppressed by firing sound bombs (19-1)The occupation intelligence heavily, which led them to escape. summoned the media student in Abu Mizar reported to MADA “At Hebron University, and the freelance around 10:00pm I was standing on the journalist Musa’ab Khamis kfesha (23 side, 10 Police officers approached years), Kfesha Reported to MADA: me while I was filming on my camera “on 19/1 I received a phone call from and holding a microphone written the Israeli security service, and in Reuters on it which shows clearly the next day 20/1 around 12:00 that I’m a Journalist on duty, even PM I went to Etzion prison, and I though one of them hit me on my was questioning for 3 hours, where head with his baton and continued the integrator asked me about on his way. Abu Mizar added “I my work, and whom I work for, he received treatment at the Hadassah also informed at the end that I was hospital where it was found that banned from travelling”. after the necessary examination (20-1) Faiz Hamza Abu-Rmealeh (25 there was a concussion in the brain. years), the photographer for Active The wound was sewn into my head Still Group and +972 magazine, with seven stitches and I stayed at got injured by a sound grenade home for a week.” while covering a demonstration in Correspondent Rema Mustafa and Jerusalem, and 6 other journalists the cameraman Haytham Al Omari were prevented from covering by the

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 29 2018 Details of violations

Israeli police. Abu Rmealah reported Rmouz (27 years) and prevented to MADA:” we were a group of him from covering events along with journalists covering a demonstration his colleague Jihad Almuhtaseb, that started in Salah Al din Street Abu Rmouz reported to MADA “At around 4:00 Pm, as soon as the around 16:00 pm my colleague the demonstration started the Israeli photographer Jihad Almuhtaseb and police started firing sound grenade I were in an area near the Damascus on the demonstrators trying to gate in the old city of Jerusalem, separate them, they were using filming a program, after we finished different kind of sound grenade this I started taking photos of searches time, it was very loud and it brings operations by the Israeli police. more damage. Around 5:00 PM I Suddenly, a policeman demanded was hit with a sound grenade in my to search me, when I handed them leg causing simple burns and cuts, my press card issued by the Israeli as for my colleague Ahmad Safadi journalists syndicate, the police I saw the police pushing him away officer replied that he does not and threating to arrest him if he care who I am or if I am a journalist, didn’t obey. he added that he will search me Mustafa Al-Kharouf, Ahmad al- anyway, he throw my cellphone on Budairi, Suhaib Salhab, Layali Eid and the ground and started searching me Diyala Juhayhan were all present. in a humiliating way while saying we They were all prevented by force do not know if you are journalists or from covering the demonstration. terrorists, after he started searching my colleague Jihad I started (21-1) Palestine TV correspondent capturing photos of the search they Mohammad Abd AL Qader Shatyieh subjected him to, then, the police (41 years), was detained by the officer turned to me and asked me Israeli police and Israeli security why am I taking photos, I informed services for couple of hours and him that this is my right, he replied he was prevented from covering that it is not your right, he ordered the vandalism on the land of Kufor other police personnel to transfer AL Deek Village near a settlement me to the police station”. located in the area, Shtayieh reported to MADA: “at around 10:30 Rmouz added: “They took me to the AM on 21-1 while I was covering the police station on Salah Aldin Street, vandalism in Kufor AL Deek village and on the way I was threatened that (north of west Bank), Israeli security I would be detained for two days forces and Israeli police officers until I learn how to deal with the came to the area and prevented me police and respect them, after we from filming. They closed the road arrived, the policeman interrogated in front of the car, confiscated my me about the incident. I told him that ID and held me until 1:00 pm, after he could go back to the cameras in the intervention of Palestinian liaison the street to make sure that I did officer, who came to the location”. not do anything wrong, and what happened was a racist action by the (24-1) The Israeli Occupation police, around 7:00 pm he gave me police in Jerusalem detained the my ID, and told me to leave. “ photographer of Al-Arz production company Ayman Hussein Abu

30 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

February: (9-2) The Israeli Occupation forces (2-2) Samah Mahmoud Al-Kahla (28 detained not less than 5 journalists years) the correspondent for Al- while they were covering a Alam News channel fainted during demonstration against settlements her covering a demonstration in in Al-Mazraa AL-Gharbieh village Al-Berih city. Al-Kahla reported to near Ramallah, and prevent them MADA “while I was covering the from coverage under the reason clashes at the northern entrance of that this area is a military closed Al-Berih city, I fainted due to inhaling area. Hisham Kamel Abu Shaqra gas by the gas bombs that was fired (29 years) the Photographer for by the Israeli soldiers; I got field Al-Anadolu Agency reported to treatment by the medics that existed MADA, “around 1:30 PM while we in the location”. were in Al-Mazraa AL-Gharbieh village covering a demonstration (5-2) The Israeli occupation forces against the settlements, the Israeli arrested the Ahmad Majdi AL-Arabed soldiers detained all the journalists (28 years) the sound engineer in and took there IDs for almost 20 Sawt Al-Hurryia radio, his brother minutes, because this area as they Amjad reported to MADA “the Israeli said it’s a military closed area, and occupation forces stormed our they also tried to arrest the freelance house that is located in Al-Terih in photographer Mohammad Shretih Ramallah city around 3:00 AM, and because his journalist ID wasn’t beat all my family members (my with him, but we all refused to brother Yasser, mother, father and leave without him”. He also added: sisters), then they searched all the from the journalists that were house, vandalized it, and arrested detained, Mohammad Shusha Roaya my brother Ahmad”. TVcameraman, Jihad Barakat the (8-2) Palestinian Security prevented correspondent for Media Port, and Mohammad Radi Shushah (35 Issam Rimawi the photographer of years) the correspondent of the Al-Hayat al-Jadida. Jordanian TV Roaya, to cover an (9-2) The cameraman Monther event in Al-Mukaata (the president Mohammad Khateeb (32 years), headquarter), because as they say he and Mohammad Najib Nabil Al- abused the Palestinian presidency in Razim (40 years) Al-Sharqa channel his publication on his Facebook page, cameraman, got injured by rubber Shushah reported to MADA “on (2- bullets fired by Israeli soldiers, while 8) I went to AL-Mukaata in Ramallah covering a demonstration at Huwara to cover the event of releasing the junction south of Nablus. Khateeb program of “ Jerusalem is the capital reported to MADA,” while covering of Islamic youth”, when I arrived I a demonstration at Huwara junction, was denied entry to AL-Mukaata all the journalists where on the left because as they say, that I abused side and the soldiers are in front of us, the Palestinian presidency in my the Israeli soldiers started firing gas publications on my facebook page. and sound bombs and firing rubber I asked about the exact they told me bullets, I got hit with a rubber built in the reason is my posting pictures of my right leg, and got field treatment Israeli journalists in Ramallah, and at the location by the medics. asking not to welcome them”. Al-Razim reported to MADA; “while

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 31 2018 Details of violations

I was covering a demonstration (15-2) Israeli occupation forces at Huwara junction on 2-9, to Al- attacked a group of journalists while Sharqa channel, I got shot with a covering a demonstration and an rubber built in my right arm. It was event of planting olive groves in a Mainor injury and I got the needed the town of Bita South of Nablus. treatment at the location”. In another incident, Israeli soldiers (9-2) Samah Mahmoud Al-Kahlah assaulted a group of journalists in the (28 years) the correspondent of Al- West Bank in the village of Mazra’a Alam channel, got hit with a sound Al-Gharbeia. Diaa Ahmad Hushieh grenade that was fired by an Israeli (33 years) the correspondent of Al soldier directly towards her, while Ghad Al Arabi TV reported to MADA, she was covering a demonstration “ my colleague and I the Cameraman at Al-Berih northern entrance. Al- of channel Munther al-Khatib and Kahlah reported to MADA,” while the Sky News Cameraman Abid me and my colleges, Hamzah Al- Khabisa where filming the activity of Sudani Cameraman and Mohammad planting olive groves in Jabal Sabih Tamemi the Broadcast supervisor, in the town of Beita after the settlers were covering the demonstration at erected a new settlement there, Al-Berih northern entrance, around accrued at the location. After asking 4:00 PM, while I was standing next one of the soldiers if is it ok to cover to the broadcast car and wearing the clashes between the citizens and my Press Shield vest, the Israeli the occupation soldiers , he allowed soldiers came to us and asked us not us, after a few minutes, another to film them, we responded that we soldier attacked us and started are covering the demonstration and beating us, which led to destroying we moved our cameras to different our camera “. direction, during that a soldier was “About half an hour after this attack, only 2 meters away from me, fired we went on live broadcast again, and a sound grenade towards me, the we were attacked again by firing gas grenade hits me in my shield and and sound bombs towards us, which exploded on the ground, I didn’t got resulted in major gas suffocation.” injured because of the vest shield He added, “The next day (Friday that I had on”. - 12 - 2018) and while covering a (15-2) The Israeli occupation demonstration in the village of forces arrested Abid Al-Muhsain Mazra’ Al Gharbeh in Ramallah, the Tayeser Shlaldeh (25 years) the soldiers began to throw sound and correspondent for Al-Quds net gas bombs at us, to keep us away network, Shlaldehs brother loay from the area, and prevented us reported to MADA, “the Israeli from coverage, one of the bombs hit soldiers stormed our house around the camera without damaging it” . 2:30 AM that is located in Shuokh In t the location were Radio Shafa, northeast of Hebron; they Bait-Lahim 2000 photographer thoroughly searched the house, and Ramiz Awad, Jihad Barakat the confiscated 3 mobile phones. After correspondent of media port, Issam about 40 minutes, they left the Rimawi the photographer for Al- house after they arrested my brother Hayyat Al-Jadidah, and al Quds ‘Abd al-Muhsin and took him to an Photographer, and Iyad Assi the unknown place”. cameraman for Al-Ghad Al-Arabi,

32 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations we left the location around 2:00 PM there is a set of actions that we must after almost 1 hour of arriving. take into consideration, And asked (16-2) The director of al-Najah us to go to the office , we asked them satellite television station in Hebron, to postpone the date for the next Ali Hani al-Jua’ba (27 years), and day after the end of the ceremony, his colleague, the cameraman Tareq but they refused to do so, and they Khamaisa, got suffocated by a gas told us that they need to complete grenade that was fired towards the procedures without clarifying them during their coverage of the details of these procedures. events in Hebron. Al-Jua’ba reported She said “After that, the Information to MADA, “I went out to cover the Office issued a statement explaining events near the office in Bab Zawiya, the decision to cancel the event. with my college Tariq Khamaisa, The reason is that the channel did the cameraman. Meanwhile, one of not receive the necessary licenses the soldiers targeted us with a gas as they say. We obtained all the grenade directly at us, which fell necessary licenses for the main next to the camera. That led me and companies Haifa and Koler Barz for my colleague Khamisa to suffocate media production from the Ministry as one of the shop owners helped us of Information and the Information by spraying perfume on our faces. Office. As well as that there is no “While my colleague Tariq was need in the law for licenses to launch covering in the Bab al-Zahid area channels through the social media. “ (old municipal square), he was “After asking the government targeted with a sound bomb that information office, they asked for exploded near him, and when he some of my papers as the director of tried to escape, he fell into a pit, the channel, and they were handed causing minor injuries to his leg.” to them, and the next day we (18-2) The Government Information received another call from them that Office in Gaza banned a ceremony the name of the channel should be to launch a women’s channel on changed, because there is another the Internet, claiming that it did radio licensed by the name / tayif not obtain the necessary permits, Al Assra/. We are still stuck with and demanded that it be change the government information office its name. The director of “Tayif for so far because of their demand that Palestinian Women” Mona Talal we change the name of the channel Okal (33 years), reported to MADA completely, and because we are “We have received the necessary accused of calling for “ideologies approval from the Ministry of the different from the ideologies of Interior to organize this celebration, society.” we are meeting tomorrow and after the completion of all the with the government information arrangements and the distribution of office to reach a settlement on the invitations (including an invitation to subject”. She added the government information office She also reported to MADA, “On who confirmed their attendance), 27/2 a delegation representing the On the celebration day around 2 pm, Teif channel went to the government I received a call from the government information office in an attempt to information office informing us that reach an agreement that satisfies all

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 33 2018 Details of violations parties. It was agreed to change the they detained us for almost an hour, name of the channel from” Taif to and then they let us go, and gave us “Tayif Al Maraa”. And in the next day back our gear, after the Palestinian they asked us to provide them with liaison office interfered”. the program and information about (21-2) Israeli soldiers assaulted a the channel’s staff, including the number of journalists while they were volunteers. These things are usually covering a protest in front of Ofer not requested from the channels, Prison near Ramallah. They arrested but there seems to be a desire to the freelance journalist Mohammed keep us under their sight.” Alwan. The cameramen of Al-Quds (20-2) Israeli occupation forces channel Husni Hassan Abdul Jalil detained Wafa agency correspondent (32 years), reported to MADA,” At 11 in Tubas and the northern Jordan pm, while we were covering a sit-in Valley, Al-Harith Yousef Al-Hesni in solidarity with a PRC activist from (27 years), and the Palestine TV Bethlehem, in front of Ofer Prison, Crew during the preparation to while he had his trial session in Ofer. make a report on Bisan commercial One of the soldiers attacked me checkpoint. Al Hesni reported to and tried to pull me into the military MADA, “I went to Bisan commercial jeep, my collogue Mohammed checkpoint that is open only one Sami Alwan, (33 years) a freelance day a week. This forced the traders journalist tried explaining to the to use the Jalameh checkpoint, soldiers that we are journalists and which is very far away. After I just doing our jobs, but they arrested finished an interview for the report, him and held him in Ofer Prison with I had prepared, and the Palestine his hands tied and his head covered, Television crew finished filming the (although I was wearing a protective program / correspondents from jacket and a helmet and carried the field/, an army vehicle arrived the camera with my hand showing and searched our vehicles and our clearly that I’m a journalist). personal IDs and asked us if we have Mohammad Olwan reported to any weapons, and then they took us MADA, “I was arrested while I was to Bisan checkpoint in the northern covering a peaceful sit-in in solidarity Jordan Valley and held us there for with the activist Munther Amira near an hour. “ Ofer Prison, the soldiers took me Palestine TV Correspondent Amir to Atarot settlement, where I was Hilmy Shahin (27 years) in Tubas and interrogated about the reason for the northern Jordan Valley reported my arrest and my accusation that I to MADA, “me and my collogue punched a soldier, knowing that the Loay Abid Al- Hafeth Samhan (38 soldier who arrested me punched years) the cameraman were filming me during the arrest, and I was a program at Bisan checkpoint, after also accused that I was preventing we finished Israeli soldiers came to the soldiers from doing their work us and asked for our IDs, searched by throwing stones at them, and our car, confiscated our filming gear, blocking there way, they watched the and deleted the pictures on our video of the incident which clearly phones, but we succeeded in hiding show that I’m innocent, but the the memory card so they didn’t testimony of three officers and the delete our content that we filmed, filing a complaint against me made

34 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations the officer transfer me to Ofer Prison were arrested, while I was pushed around 7:30. There I was detained strongly away, because I was trying with the security detainees. and I to explain to them that we are here was searched naked. The next day I as journalist invited to dinner and was released around 12:00 PM”. this event has nothing to do with any political activity”. The journalist Dalia Jwihan reported to MADA, “we were 18 journalists invited to dinner after arriving to the restaurant an Israeli police and secret inelegant force stormed the restaurant expelling us from the location and throwing bad words at us, Israeli force stayed in the street The attack on the journalist of the hotel an hour and a half after “Mohammed Sami” Alwan while expelling us from the location”. covering clashes near Ofer prison (24-2) An Israeli police force and March: Israeli secret intelligent stormed (1/3) Imad Mahmoud Hammad Abu a restaurant in Jerusalem, where Imad (34 years) was arrested by 18 journalists where having dinner the Palestinian intelligence who is organized by business men on the the programmer for Al Mashhad Al honor of journalists, they attacked Sohyoni at Al Quds channel, for three them and expelled them from the days. Abu Imad reported to MADA restaurant, and arrested the owner : “Thursday morning (1/3/2018) and one of the journalists, claiming I received a phone call from the that the meeting was organized Palestinian intelligence service by the Democratic Front. Ahmad telling me that they want to search Othman Jalajil the correspondent my house, after going to the house I of Al-Quds newspaper and Panet was surprised that they didn’t search website reported to MADA, “I the house but the confiscated my received an invitation to attend a mobile and my personal computers, dinner organized by businessmen and then they arrested me”. in honor of Journalists and the Abu Imad added “then they took presence of important figures from me to the headquarters of the Jerusalem, in Philadelphia Hotel in intelligence service in Ramallah, Zahra Street, after 30 minutes of and there they told me that I would arriving around 5:30 PM we were leave in the afternoon. I have not surprised with a big force of Israeli interrogated it was only a half-hour police and secret intelligent storming chat about my media work, without the hotel, expelling us by force and any charges being brought against they hung a paper on the door me. preventing the dinner of happening, (2/3) Issam Rimawi Al Hayyat claiming that this dinner is organized newspaper photographer was hit by the Democratic Front”. with a gas bomb in his arm while Jalajil added “ the owner of the covering a peaceful demonstration restaurant and the journalist Ahmad in Bil`in. Rimawi reported to Safadi the manager of Eeliaa Media MADA: “on Friday (2/3) the

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 34 2018 Details of violations weekly demonstration against the these hackers and get the website settlements and the apartheid wall, back. On (26/3) around 1:30 am where it coincided with the 13th the agency’s account on Instagram anniversary of the launch of this was shutdown which has 70,000 weekly march, the IOF fired rubber followers. bullets, sound and gas bombs Abu Hien added all these shutdowns towards the demonstrators and where done without any previous journalists, which led a gas bomb notice stating that there is no to hit me in my left arm causing me publication contrary to the Facebook burns and bruises, I was transferred publishing policy, we submitted to the Palestinian Medical Complex objection letters to Facebook there where I received the needed first respond was that the page was treatment and left the hospital after shut down due to not committing to about 5 hours. “ Facebook publishing standards, until The journalists who were located this day we are still communicating at the scene Al- Ghad Al Arabi with Facebooks administration in correspondent, Mohammad order to get the agency’s page back Turkman, Hisham Abu Shaqra and and 7 personal accounts that belong Abbas Al Momani they all suffered to the managers and editors that from suffocation due to the gas work in the agency were reopened. bombs that were fired by the IOF. (8/3) The Israeli occupation (5/3) Facebook Company shut down intelligence prevented the public Safa News Agency’s primary page program coordinator at Al-Quds/ and its standby page and its account channel Nawaf Ibrahim Al- Amer (65 of Instagram. Also they shutdown 14 years) from traveling through Al- personal accounts that belong to Kramer border. Al Amer reported to the agency’s managers and editors MADA, on (8/3) I went to AL Krameh without any previous notice, Safa Border to travel to Saudi Arabia for Agency reported to MADA (Yasser religion purposes, and while I was at Hassan Abu Hien): “on (5/3) the Al Krameh border I was detained by standby Facebook page for the the Israeli inelegance service from agency has been shut down which 10:00 AM until 3:30 PM and then they has 17,000 followers and on (24/3) gave me my passport back and told the primary page has been shut me that I can’t travel and informed down which have one million and me that I’m prevented from traveling three hundred followers, and also according to the Israeli intelligence 4 managers in the agency’s their service, I asked to for an interview personal accounts were shut down with them but the refused, and now and 10 editors as well. I raised a case trying to remove the On (25/3) around 7:00 pm, the prevention order. agency official website was hacked (9/3) Adel Ibrahim Abu Nimah (48 for about 5 minutes and some years) routers cameraman got shot pictures where published on the with a rubber bullet while he was website by the hackers that has covering a demonstration in Jericho, nothing to do with the agency Abu Nimah reported to MADA,” such as ISIS symbol, the agency’s on (9/3) While I was covering the technical team was able to block clashes that were located at the

36 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations southern entrance of Jericho city front of the camera and imeditly an after Friday prayer, after the clashes israeli occupation force surrounded intensified, the Israeli soldiers began us and confiscated our mobile to fire sound and gas bombs and phones, car keys, our IDs and our rubber bullets intensively, resulting cameras, and informed us that this in a rubber bullet hit me in my area can’t be filmed and we need a left hand between the elbow and permit from the Israeli occupation, the wrist. I received the needed and took us to our cars and detained medical care on the location by the us in our cars for an hour and then Red Crescent medical team, and they released us after the Palestinian then I was transferred to Jericho liaison interfering. Governmental Hospital. There my The correspondent for Palestine TV arm was X-rayed and they found out Arine Mohammad Fihmi Al-Amleh that I suffer from bruises, after all the (28 years) reported to MADA” on medical examination took place I left (14/3) me the corespondant of the hospital approximately after 3 Palestine TV and the rest of the hours. crew, Jihad Ali Qwasmeh (45 years) The freelance journalist Mohammad the Office manager , the cameraman Jawad Murar (32 years) who Iyad Abed Al-Hashlamon (30 years) accompanied me during a soldier’s and the Asstiant Mhammad Maamon attempt to use us as a human shield, khlaf (25 years) went to make a TV Where he deliberately approached report about the settlement road us and tried to protect himself by that is being constructed to connect standing behind us. “. between the two settlements Israeli occupation soldiers and the Njihot and Metsbi Lakish, we were security guards of Njihot and Metsbi surprised with an Israeli soldiers and Lakish settlements prevented Al- settlements security surrounding Ghad TV crew and Palestine TV us and they detained us for about crew from covering the construction 2 hours and the Israeli soldiers of a settlement road in Beit Awa threatened us that they will arrest village area in Hebron governorate. us if any picture of the location They detained the crew for about will be broadcasted. The Israeli an hour. Al-Ghad TV correspondent Occupation Army informed us that Raed Mohammad Sameer (35 years) this area can’t be filmed to protect reported to MADA” On (10/3) the the privacy of the houses that are television crew of Al-Ghad the located in the settlement to prevent correspondent Raed Mohammad Al Ghad TV crew and Palestine TV Al-Sharif and the cameraman Jamil crew from making a TV report about Hashim ( Mohammad Jamil) Salhab the construction of the road. AL Tamimi (26 years) to make a (11/3) the Israeli occupation army TV report about connecting two arrested the media student in settlements Njihot and Metsbi Al Najah National University Ola Lakish together, In coordination with Mohammad Hassan Marshood (21 the mayor of Beit Awwa. We arrived years) after she was asked to come around 10:00 AM, when we started for integration, her sister reported filming the construction process the to MADA “on Sunday morning my settlements security who are armed sister Ola got a phone call on her settlers approached us and stood in uncle’s phone to come to integration,

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 37 2018 Details of violations so she went with my uncle in the us and came towards as and tried to afternoon to the Israeli liaison office confiscate our filming gear, but we in Huwara, after 2 hours of waiting refused their action, so the officer at the office my uncle was forced in charge came and threatened us to leave the office leaving my sister, with their weapons and ordered us and the officer informed my uncle to put the cameras on the ground that she will stay here for 2 days for next to the military jeep, and we questioning. On Tuesday (13/3) the were questioned about our work, lawyer Adel Samra was denied to and ordered us to delete what we visit my sister, and now she is located filmed from the camera and from in Petah Tikva center not knowing my personal mobile phone, and after the reason behind her arrest until detaining us for about an hour the this minute. released us. She also added that Ola was (13/3) the case of the correspondent represented at the Petah Tikva of Al Aqsa Tareq Abid Al Raziq Abu Center for trial several times during Zaid (43 years) to the Supreme her detention, where she served Criminal Court in connection with a were her court dates were on 14th, case related to human rights claim 21st, 23rd, and on 28th of match, taken by a person arrested by the and at her final session the court Palestinian Authority two years ago. decided to end the investigation He has been detained for 37 days. but some of the legal proceedings He was surprised at his court on must be completed that will be (13/3) that his case was transferred clear to us on Sunday (1/4) knowing to the supreme Criminal Court, Abu that the lawyer was not allowed to Zaid reported to MADA “on the look at the investigation file so we night of (17/5/2016)11:00PM I was don’t know what kind of charges arrested from my house in Nablus in that she was accused with and on Rafida area from a group of 5 people Sunday she was rpesented to Bait the identified them self’s from the Salim court and was postponed until Palestinian inelegance service 2 of Wednesday (4/4). them were wearing civil cloths and (13/3) the Israeli occupation soldiers the rest were in there uniforms, detained Palestine TV crew and without the permeation from the deleted the filmed material that general attorney they searched my they filmed abut detaining youth house for around one and half hour, at Dair Sharaf junction near Nablus. while they were searching they The correspondent of Palestine confiscated a laptop and a camera TV Ahmad Abid Al Malik Ibrahim and a couple of memory sticks most Othman Shawar (31 years) reported of them belong to my wife’s work to MADA on (13/3) around 1:30 PM were she works as an engineer. me and my colleague the cameraman I was taken to the United prison in Tareq Abu Zaid went from Jenin to Nablus city and I was integrated Nablus, and when we arrived Dair during the 37 days every day on Sharaf Junction Israeli occupation writing testimonies that belonged soldiers where detaining a group to previous political prisoners of youth and searching them, so that suffered from torture in the we stepped out of the car and start Palestinian Authority prisons, these filming them, an Israeli soldier saw testimonies belonged to Arab

38 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

Organization for Human Rights security service in Nablus city for in Britain, I admit writing these 8 days, were a decision has been testimonies as writing them is my made recently to send the case back duty as a journalist and there is to cybercrime court and I’m waiting nothing wrong with writing such a for a court hearing date. thing. (16/3) Mohammad Najeb Nabil After all that I was released on a Razim (40 years) that works as a bail and I started attending my cameraman for American Press, court hearings with the charge that got shot with a rubber bullet in his I published false information that left thigh thas was fired by Israeli harm the state under the article soldier while he was covering a 1/132, Of the Penal Code No. 16 of demonstration at Al Bireh Northern 1960, and the promotion of conflict entrance, Al Razim reported to between sects and various elements MADA” while I was covering a of the nation, contrary to Article 150 demonstration around 1:30 pm I was of the Penal Code of 1960. sitting up the camera to film a report After I was released I attended 11 for the correspondent Amal Murar court hearings during 18 months, 1 a group of Israeli soldiers around 9 hearing every two months, a witness of them attacked the demonstrators was asked to come to one of the last shooting rubber bullets and court hearings he is Hamza Fathi Al fireinggas and sound bombs, and I karaawi, were he said that he gave was shot with a rubber bullet in my me all the information that I wrote left thigh 5 minutes later. in the testimony and I didn’t lie Al Razim added while I was shot I with any information, even so I was was 200 meters away from the Israeli surprised in my last court hearing soldiers and wearing a shield vest on (13/3/2018) that my case was having press on it, I suffered a minor transferred to the supreme criminal cut and bruises, I got the needed court, and a court date was assigned medical treatment at the location in on 27/3/2018 at 9:00 AM, Note that ambulance and medical officer told the General Attorney, Mr. Wadah me that my injury was a minor injury Khalil, considered my case in the and there is no need for me going to past to be a misdemeanor, not a a hospital. crime. On 27 March, at 9 am, I went (16/3) A Palestinian criminal to the headquarters of the Supreme investigation force raided and Criminal Court. I waited until 12:30. searched the house of journalist After appearing before the judge, he Yousef Nassar, who is a reporter asked me what my work is I told him for Al-Nakab radio station, Nassar that I’m a journalist; he postponed reported to MADA” on the night of the hearing until 17th of April. (16/3) around 11:00 PM a Criminal This is my second case that was Investigation Force stormed my transferred to the supreme criminal house that is located in Dora city court; I have a previous case that in Hebron (4 cars 20 men some of is connected with cyber-crime the having masks on), they searched law regarding publication on my it in details and asked about me to Facebook page, were I was arrested arrest me but I wasn’t home, and on (7/8/2017), by the inelegance know I’m expecting to be arrested in

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 39 2018 Details of violations any second from my house or where from Palestine TV Manager. He also ever I’m located. pointed that a police officer was Nassar also reported on (20/3) accused with corruption and was around 7:00 PM I resived an official dismissed from his position, this letter asking me to go to the criminal officer filed a complaint on 17 people investigation office, so at 10:00 2 days before arresting me and PM from the same night I went to Nassar believes that his arrest has the office, after the officer so my something to do with this complaint. press ID he made some phone The security of An-Najah National calls, after contacting the general University prevented the media Attorney he was ordered to release student Osama Sami Arar (24 me immediately and I shouldn’t be years) from entering the university detained for any reason but I have to because of a publication he wrote on go the next day to the court house, Facebook, where Arar reported to then we went to the second floor in Mada: “On Saturday 17/3/2018 I wrote the same building where the police on my Facebook page a publication department is located, I heard an after visiting Birzeit University. officer on the phone, then he decided The title of the publication was a to arrest me, where is stayed that between Birzeit and no Nationalism, night at the police station, the next during which I described the visit day Dora’s mayor asked for me so I to the university and the difference was sent to him where he appolgised between it and An-Najah National about what happened and he said University, after many phone calls that he dosnt know why the police asking me to change the title as ackted in this way, and my case was a respect to Birzeit university I raised in Dora’s court house, where I removed the word no nationalism was released without any conditions from the title. or bails, and I left around 12:00 PM He added. “I then received a phone that day. call from the president of the Nassar thinks that this action by the Student Union Council, Ibrahim Atta, police is connected to an incident on Tuesday 20/3. He told me that that happened in December 2017 there were people looking for me at which is publishing on his Facebook the university because of my posts page that Dora needs a new police on Facebook. But I thought it was a chief and a new mayor, regarding a joke. The next day, I was surprised corruption story at that time, due to that my name and picture were his publication he was asked over the circulated to all the security staff. I phone to attend the cybercrime unit was transferred to the security officer. but because the death of a family After I met him, he asked me about member he asked to postpone the the publication I had written and investigation, but at 12:00 AM he asked me to delete it. I told him that found that a criminal investigation it was a publication that expressed force was at his house waiting for him my opinion I was transferred to and arrested him and investigated the university security director. He him about his publication on asked me to delete the publication Facebook, and he stayed the night and write a pledge that I had made in prison and in the next day he a mistake I refused. I told him that was released with a personal bail I have to take a test on Thursday,

40 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations so he told me to do my exam on (20/3) the Palestinian intelligence time and leave the university. On detained the correspondent and Wednesday evening I wrote another editor of Al Quds news network publication on Facebook. I asked if in Hebron Abid Al Hamid Shawar the university administration could Tamemi (27 years), Al Tamemi dismiss a student because of a reported to MADA” I received a publication on Facebook. The next phone call on (20/3) at 11:00 AM day I was prevented to enter the from the Palestinian intelligence university and taking my test. service in Hebron asking me to go to (17/3) Israeli soldiers prevented their office in the next day (21/3) at Maan channel from covering Israeli 10:00 am, on the same day I recived violations in Hebron, and detained a second phone call from the same Mohammad Khalil Hamamra (28 office telling me that im wanted, I years) the channels cameraman thought it’s a prank from one of my for 3 hours in a military camp and friends. questioned him, Hamamra reported He added, after two hours I to MADA, “me and my collogue Doaa received another phone call from Yihaya Maan correspondent to Al the intelligence telling me that they Takrori mountain in Hebron around are located near my house and 1:30 pm to cover the Israeli violation I have to turn myself in to them, against the citizens that live there and as soon I stepped out of my and to cover the occupation army house they arrested me and took vandalism of the lands there, as soon my mobile phone, and transferred as we arrived the Israeli soldiers me to their office, I arrived there handed us a paper saying that this around 6:00AM, they told me that area is a closed military zone, and we im arrested as soon as I arrived their have to leave which led us to move office but because someone I will not away from the military camp but be arrested, I was questioned about Israeli soldiers cam towards us and my media work and why I argue on arrested me. the president speech via Facebook, Hamamra added “I was taken to the and they also questioned me about army camp with my hands tied and my publications and posts I publish blindfolded, and after an hour of through Facebook, I stayed under the detention, I was interrogated with integration until 10:00 PM and then ordinary questions about myself I was released and got my mobile and my work, and then I received phones back, in condition to come a phone call from the Israeli Civil back and finish the investigation Administration. The officer accused the next day. The second (21/3) me of being in a closed military zone I went back around 10:00 AM to and did not obey his orders and that I the intelligence office, and the was filming in a provocative manner. integration started by asking about The officer demanded my detention the Israeli occupation storming my for three days, but he would contact house twice and why I was arrested the Palestinian liaison to release me, by the Israeli occupation in the past, after hours and after communication I responded with I don’t know, I with the Palestinian liaison they stayed under integration until 12:00 released me. PM and then I was released without any conditions.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 41 2018 Details of violations

(21/3) The Preventive Security Service weekly demonstration We were in arrested Osama Hussein Shaheen the area of Al-Bire (an area where (36 years) the correspondent for there are usually clashes during the Palestinian prisoners center and demonstration), which is about one for You Free and also In the mind kilometer from the closed street, that in Britain, for days after storming the citzens ask to reopen it, Within his workplace that exists near his minutes from our arrival, an Israeli house. Shaheen reported to MADA” occupation forces arrived me and my around 9:30 PM the Preventive collogue were in a neutral location security service stormed my work away from the demonstrators and place in Dora city and arrested and away from the army. The soldiers confiscated my mobile phone, and approached us, about 30 meters informed me that this is just an away from us, one of the soldiers interview with the Preventive officer, fired a rubber bullet which hit me in as soon as I arrived the preventive my right sholder. I was treated in the office I was questioned about my field and then transferred to Darwish media work, I informed them that Nazzal Hospital. I stayed there for most of my work now is related to an hour getting the needed medical human rights in general and no in treatment. any personal rights, I went on a food (24/3) Israeli occupation forces strike I stopped eating and drinking prevented a number of journalists from the day I was arrested, my from covering a tree-planting event health condition was getting worse in the city of Yatta, Hebron, and every day and then I was transferred detained Palestinian TV cameraman to the hospital, there we got into an Thaer Yousef Fakousa(38 years), aggrement that states ill stop my who reported to MADA: on (24/3) at strike in the condtion of relasing 11:00 AM , while I was covering a tree me my strike was over on Saturday planting event In the Tawam area of and I started my stike on wensday, Yatta, a force from the Israeli army I was tranferd to the court house and border guards came to the area. and being charged with reciving The soldiers asked me to move away. money from international resources I asked him to locate a position for (money laundry), and I was relised me in order to do my job, he told me with a paid 1000 JD bail, and unpaid that this area is the military closed 3000JD bail, and now waiting for area. He then pushed me and held the next court hearing date. me near the military jeep for about Palestinian TV cameraman an hour. And after speaking with an Mohammad Mahmoud ‘Anayya (2) officer of the border guards, one of was wounded by a rubber-coated the soldiers came and released me “. metal bullet fired by an Israeli soldier The correspondent Raed Al-Sharif from approximately 30 meters while and the cameraman Jamil Salhab he was covering the weekly Kufr of Al-Ghad Channel, Azmi Bnat, Qaddum demonstration.Annaya Mashhoor Al-Wahah correspondents reported to MADA “After Friday of Palestine TV, all were prevented prayers, around 1:00 PM,me and from covering the event. the corespondnent for PalestineTV The Israeli occupation authorities Ahmad Shawar where in t Kufr arrested Palestine TV correspondent Qaddum village to cover the

42 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations in Nablus, Bakr Mohammad Abdel not post the required hashtag will be Haq (27 years), on his way back responsible and liable for dismissal. from Cairo through the Karameh Yasser Ammar Saed Hbisheh (22 border in Jericho, The representative years) who works for 9 months in al of the journalists union in Nablus, Najah channel, reported to MADA “ Jaafar Ashtiya, Reported to MADA in the monthy meeting in march, at “around 9:00 AM (24/3) Mohammad around 3:30 PM Bashar Draghmeh was arrested on AL Kramer border, Chief editor informed us with the coming back from Egypt after genereal manager Ghazi Murtaja receiving the Arab Youth Award existence that he has the right to ask distinguished in the media in Cairo. his employees to post anything on Bakr was taken to the Petah Tiqva their personal social media accounts investigation center. According (FACEBOOK) and the employees to the prisoner’s club, on 26/3 his are required to obey the orders, and detention was extended for 11 days he also said that aren’t you ashamed pending investigation. from yourself by sharing different (26/3) 12 staff members were news pages on your personal surprised at the Media center Facebook accounts, he continued at An-Najah National University saying that some of the employees during their official working day on did post the hashtag that they were 26/3/2018 by handing over official asked to post it “cowered, Reem letters informing them about that Palestine “ but some didn’t and who they are being dismissed from their do not post the required hashtag will work in the center, “according to be accountable for his action and a statement issued by the Media might be dismissed from his work. Center Of the University. Ayyat Farhat Farhan Abid Allah (27 A number of journalists who were years) who worked in the channel dismissed reported to MADA” that for a year and one month reported there Their dismissal” is unjustified to MADA “Bashar Draghmeh Chief and arbitrary And it has been Editor ordered us to post a hashtag because of their rejection of tweeting and related to the bombing of the on their personal profile a hashtag convoy of Palestinian Prime Minister that the administration of the center Dr. Rami Al-Hamdallah in Gaza asked them to post it, that is related recently “Cowered targeting. And to the bombing of The convoy of who doesn’t post this hashtag will Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Rami be accountable for his action and Al-Hamdallah in Gaza recently. might be dismissed from his work Anwar Ayman Haj Mohammad (27 because he doesn’t deserve to work years) who graduated from AL in this media center, and we all see Najah National University, and now that the main reason for dismissing works in the media center channel us was not posting this hashtag. that belongs to the university for The Israeli occupation forces arrested two years reported to MADA “The the director of the Media department director of the center, Ghazi Murtaja, of the Prisoners and Detainees told us at the monthly meeting that Affairs Authority Thaer Mohammed any person who does not participate Shrestha (33 years) after storming in the work of the channel and does his home, where his father reported

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 43 2018 Details of violations that “at approximately at 3:00 AM abdomen. I underwent a three- today (29 /3) an Israeli army force hour operation, which included the stormed our house, In Ramallah city. removal of 30 cm of my intestines. The officer asked me about all of my Internal bleeding was controlled but children. After he knew that Thaer I am still under observation in the lives in the apartment down stairs, hospital until today, 4. he ordered his arrest. A number of soldiers broke into Thayer’s house and searched the house quickly. Then They arrested him and left the house at about 3:30 According to Hassan Abed Rabbo, Media Advisor, the media spokesman of the Authority, “Thaer is currently in Ofer detention center, and a date has been set for the extension of his detention on Sunday (April 1) On this Journalist Ahmed Barbakh wounded day a court session was held in Ofer by a live bullet in the abdomen fired detention camp, but the court was by Israeli occupation soldiers while postponed until Wednesday 4/4.” covering Al-Awdah marches east of Khan Younis (30/3) Ahmed Salem Barabakh / Muammar (23 years), was wounded (30/3) Mahmoud Adnan Mdawakh by a live bullet in the abdomen, (37 years) Media town cameraman, which was fired by the soldiers was shot with a live bullet went after he finished covering the return through his left leg while he was demonstration at the east of Khan covering the return demonstration in Younis. Barabakh reported to MADA Gaza, Mdawakh reported to MADA” “I went around 1:30 pm on the around 10:30 AM on (30/3) I was (30/3), to the east of Khan Younis located about 500 meters away from southern Gaza Strip to cover the the border toc cover the peaceful demonstration of return day. I was demonstration, around 11:00 AM wearing my press uniform. standing while I was filming from behind the about 200 meters away from the demonstration, I got shot with a demonstrators. After I finished taking live bullet hitting me in my left leg, pictures of the demonstration, me which it went through my leg and and my colleague Hatem Omar who out, leaving me with a broken bone. works in the Chinese news agency when I got shot I was transferred by were leaving the scene and while an ambulance to Al Shifa hospital we were about 700 meters away and there I got the needed medical from the border I was targeted with treatment and I went under surgery a live bullet which injured me my for an hour and 15 minutes, and I was abdomen and by chance I was very checked out from the hospital on close to an ambulance which took to (1/4). Naser hospital were I got the needed (30/3) cameraman at the New Sin medical treatment. Art Production Company, Ahmed In Nasir Hospital, after the X-ray, 14 Abdel Nasser Al-Qafa (21 years), shrapnel were found in the lower was wounded by a live bullet in the

44 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations thigh. He was shot by the Israeli suffocated by the Israeli army’s gas occupation forces while covering the bombs while covering the return return demonstration east of Khan demonstration east of Gaza. Salem Younis. “At approximately 2:00 PM, reported to MADA” The channel’s Qafa reported to MADA” I was in the cameraman Jihad Dahlan and I were Khuza’a area, east of Khan Younis, to about at 10:00 am located in the area cover the demonstration of return. of East Gaza to cover the events of I was about 600 meters away from the return demonstration, we were the Israeli soldiers deployed at located about 200 meters from the the borderline. I was wearing the border fence, and most of the time pressed uniform and stood behind we were among the demonstrators the demonstrators about 6 meters because of their large numbers away. And one of the soldiers fired We were suffocated by gas three a bullet that entered my right thigh times during the day because the and came out of it at the top of my Israeli occupation forces fired gas knee. “ bombs very heavily by aircraft I was transferred by an ambulance to and by means of military jeeps We Nasser medical compound around were hit the first time at about one 2:30 and there I got the needed o’clock at noon and we were able to medical treatment, and then I was complete our work, the second time transferred to Shuhadaa Al Aqsa was at three o’clock in the afternoon hospital around 3:00 PM We continued the direct coverage, (30/3) photography assistant in the but the third time, the suffocation company “New Sein Art Production” was very severe, as gas bombs fell Mohammed Ali qadoura (34 years) on us from the front and back, so was shot in the shoulder while we had to withdraw from the place covering the demonstration east permanently and the time was about of Khan Younis, where qadoura six pm. reported to MADA “while I was in the (30/3) APA images photographer Khuza’a area east of Khan Younis for Ashraf Mohammed Abu Amra (32 media coverage, I got shot in the right years old) was injured by a gas shoulder by the soldiers. I was taken grenade in his foot while covering the to the Nasser medical compound. events of the return demonstration After the having the X-rays, the bullet in east of Khan Younis. Abu Amra did not appear. I stayed there until reported tp MADA “Since 8:00 am, 4 pm, and then I was transferred to I have been in Khuza’a area east of Shifa Hospital to complete the tests Khan Yunis to cover I was wearing And I remained until 12:00 PM of the a protective jacket and at least next day, where I checked out of the 600 meters away from the border hospital to go back for review on fence. Around 4:30 pm, the Israeli 9/4 in order to make sure the doctor army began to directly target the whether the bullet exited or is it still demonstrators, including journalists, in my shoulder by firing live bullets, sound and gas (30/3) Al-Ghad correspondent bombs. In the meantime, I was hit by Nevin Walid Salem (27 years) and a bomb Gas in my left foot causing her colleague, cameraman Jihad me to vomit, and I was taken by Dahlan (33 years), were severely ambulance to a tent in the same area where he I was treated. However, Ithe

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 45 2018 Details of violations next day I went to shuhada Al Aqsa then four soldiers turned towards hospital because I felt strong pain, him and began push i ng him. He and there my foot was X-rayed and responded and went back, but got the needed treatment for about they pushed him ba c k to an area 1 hour and a half. “ from which it was d ifficult to film. April: At approximately 1 1 :30 pm, the army began withdra w ing after the (1/4) The Israeli occupation forces settlers. The offi c er returned the prevented the photographer of two photographers IDs he seized “Media Freedom Network” Ali Ismael and by leaving the area the soldiers Abd Al- Majid Al-Abed (30 year- fired two tear ga s canisters at the old), photographer of “Al-Hadath” journalists. Newspaper Musab Abd As-Samad (1/4) The Preventive Security Force Hamed Shawar Tamimi (28 year- in Qalqilya has arrested Al-Quds old) and the photographer of Newspaper correspondent, Mustafa “Zain” Agency Mohammad Ezzat Ali Sabri (51year-old), for two days Mohammad Halaiqa from covering under interrogation and seized his ID events in the area of the “Haram Ar- card. Sabri was summoned for other Rama Well” in Hebron and detained consecutive times after his release. two of them. Al-Abed an d Halaiqa He told MADA that “on 31/3/2018 at told MADA that they arrived at about about 11:30 pm,, I received a phone 8:00 pm on the first of April 2018 to call from the Preventive Security cover the deployment o f the army force in Qalqiliya telling me that and settlers in the “H a ram Well”, I have to go to meet them next when they arrived at t h e Ramah day morning (Sunday - April 1) at junction, they saw Isr a eli soldiers 10 am at the Preventive Security deployed on the rooftops of several Headquarters. I was waiting there houses and between the houses; until 12 noon and I was asked to hand about 10 minutes from their arrival, over my belongings. Afterwards, a border police officer approached I have been transferred to the them, seized their ID and press cards. Military Medical Services for medical Afterwards, the offic e r returned examination, but I refused to make and told them that h e would not it and I announced food, water and give them their card s back unless medicine strike”. the army leaves the a rea and he allowed them to film . However, the He added “they brought me back to soldiers asked photographers Musab the preventive security headquarters Shawar and Ali Al-Abed (and a third where I was taken to a cell. After journalist who arri ved to cover the about an hour, I was interrogated on event) to move to t h e opposite my children receipt of their university side of the mosque. The journalists fees in 2014from a prohibited party. and their other col l eagues were I told the interrogator that this is repeatedly kept rem o te from the not my business as I personally event center up to approximately100 did not receive any money. On this meters to film. At about 09:30 pm, day (Sunday) and the next day, the photographer of, “Zain” Agency, Monday, I was under interrogation Mohammad Ezzat Moh a mmad sessions every three hours on the Halaiqa arrived an d began filming, same subject. I was also asked other questions about place and nature

46 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations of my work and my membership Debs (33 year-old), from entering in the Journalists’ Syndicate. At Al-Aqsa Mosque Debs told MADA about 10pm, the officer told me that that “On Monday at about 8 am he would release me, but I should (April 2, 2018), I went with a group come back on Wednesday 4/4 at of colleagues to Al-Aqsa Mosque, 10 am to the preventive security specifically through Al-Asbat Gate, headquarters. When the officer but the Israeli police stationed at handed over my ID card, I continued the door have seized my ID card, waiting until 3:30 pm and then left my mobile phone and prevented me the place upon their request without access. They told me that the officer meeting anyone or interrogation in charge of the Haram, named provided that I should return on “Dani”, has circulated a decision Sunday 8/4 to pick up my ID card. I preventing me access to Al-Aqsa went there on time and stayed from Mosque until further notice.” 10:00 am to 03:30 pm without any He added “for more than an hour, questions or interrogation other than I tried to enter from the Hatta, al- the officer’s question:/ the same Ghawanmeh, al- Majles, an-Nather topic .. Is there anything new? Which Gates, but the response was the means that I have to pay the sums same, without telling me the reason my sons received, but my answer although it is clear that they want to was no. He asked me to return again prevent me from documenting their on Tuesday 10/4, I returned to the various and serious violations inside preventive security headquarters at the courtyards of Al-Aqsa, especially 10:30 am and waited until 12:30 pm. in their feast in which their raids I was taken out through the back increase.” door of the headquarters without (3/4) The Palestinian Public understanding the reason behind Prosecution arrested the journalist it and without getting my ID card. at (Wafa) News Agency, Rami They told me to come back again on Nabil Ahmad Samara (38-year-old) Monday, 16/4. “ who is in charge of the Agency’s On 14/4/2018, the MADA lawyer “Multimedia”, for several days has intervened in this case. On and interrogated him for more 16/4/2018, he sent a letter to the than one time on the basis of an Preventive Security asking them alleged complaint of “slander and to stop summoning the journalist defamation” filed by the Director of Mustafa Sabri illegally and to return the Media Development Center at his seized ID card otherwise he (the An-Najah University, Ghazi Mortaja, MADA lawyer) will file a case to the against the journalist Samara. Palestinian Higher Court of Justice. The General Prosecution has also In the evening of the same day, the interrogated the Director and preventive security force returned Correspondent of Al-Arabi Al-Jadid back Sabri’s ID card at his home and Newspaper, Naela Khalil (40 year- stopped summoning him. old), because of the comments she (2/4), The Israeli occupation police wrote on Facebook in solidarity with prevented the media and public the journalist Rami after his arrest. relations officer of the Islamic Mortaja has filed this case against Endowments Department in Samara and Khalil due to comments Jerusalem, Feras Yousef Ahmed

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 47 2018 Details of violations they wrote after the Media the prosecutor’s office in solidarity Development Center fired a number with Samara, including the journalist of Journalists working at the center Naela Husni Khalil (40 years) who was on 26/3/2018. surprised by notifying her through Samara was arrested after a the Journalists Syndicate lawyer summon WAFA received on Tuesday (Alaa’ Faraijat) that the prosecution morning 3/4/2018 from the Public is summoning her at that moment Prosecutor’s Office, asking him to for interrogation. She went with the go to the prosecutor’s office in the lawyer Fraijat to the hearing that city of Al-Bireh. Samara went there was held jointly with Rami Samara immediately, and when he handed because they both have “one case over his ID card and introduced and one file, as the lawyer said.” Naela himself, a policeman told him that Khalil was interrogated about two he is under detention, and he was comments she wrote on Facebook. held at the detention center at the After about an hour of questioning prosecutor’s office. After about an and investigation, the prosecutor hour (about 11:30), he was returned to decided to keep Naela free as well the prosecutor’s office where he was as Rami Samara and transferred the interrogated by a prosecutor who case file to the court, but he seized told Samara that he was “detained Rami Samara and Naela Khalil’s ID based on a complaint filed by Ghazi cards to ensure their presence before Mortaja in which he claims that you the court hearing that was scheduled defamed and slandered him and his for the same day. After two hours family”. The journalist Samara was and a half of waiting, a hearing held in the detention center until was held for journalist Naela, while 4:00 pm and was then transferred to the plaintiff Ghazi Mortaja did not the central police prison in Beitunia. attend the hearing, although lawyer Alaa Faraijat and the prosecution At approximately 8:30 pm on the confirmed that they had sent him same day (Tuesday 3/4/2018), a summoning letter. After nearly President Mahmoud Abbas ordered half an hour of deliberations, Judge the release of journalist Rami Samara Ramez Jomhur decided to postpone immediately after the intervention the hearing and accusations against of the Journalists Syndicate as well journalists (Naela Khalil and Rami as the demands by MADA Center, Samara) until 16/5/2018. journalists and many relevant institutions to release him. However, (AFP) - The Chief Editor of “Sky he was released next morning Press” news agency, Izz Abd Al- (Wednesday 4/4/2018) claiming Aziz Abu Shanab (33 year-old), was that “the release requires some wounded by an explosive bullet measures to be taken by the prison in the left foot fired by the Israeli and prosecution”. occupation forces while covering the return marches in the eastern Gaza On Sunday 8/4/2018, the Strip. Abu Shanab told MADA “I was prosecution held another hearing standing about 400 meters from the at its headquarters in the city of Al- border fence (where the soldiers are Bireh for the journalist Samara to stationed). My colleague journalists complete the investigation. Several and I were about 200 meters behind journalists headed to sit-in in front of the demonstrators and I was wearing

48 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations my full journalist uniform (the jacket the soldier returned to the military and the helmet). At about 5:15 pm, I jeep, put a black mask on his face was injured by an explosive bullet in and attacked him with another my right foot which entered through soldier. They prevented him from my left foot and exploded inside. moving, put their feet on him and The Journalist, Adham Al-Hajjar, was one of them took his mobile and also injured by an explosive bullet in deleted the photos Sari took. The his foot before I got injured.” soldiers stopped the journalist Abu Shanab added “I was taken Musab Shawar and Sari tried to hide to the field medical center where from the soldiers in the university I received first aid, and then I was guard room to photograph the transferred by an ambulance to Ash- assault on his colleague. However, Shifa’ Hospital around 6:00 pm to one of the soldiers has run after him find out that I have fractions in the and punched him on the back during foot bones. I underwent a surgery Sari’s attempt to go away. continued for 5 hours. On Monday Masab Shawar said that while he (8/4), I underwent another surgery was standing 15 or 20 meters from which also continued for 5 hours and the first soldier and about 50 meters until today (Tuesday 9/4), I still lying from the military jeep to film (the in the hospital for follow-up. arrest of a student) in front of the (9/4) Israeli soldiers assaulted three university, a soldier went to him and journalists by beating and prevented told him that “filming is forbidden.” them from covering the arrest of a He told the soldier that he is a student from the Palestine Technical journalist, showed him his card and College “Khadouri” at the Aroub wore the press uniform immediately branch in Hebron Governorate. The and began filming. Two soldiers journalists were on their way to the returned to the journalist Shawar, university that day to cover the seized his camera and went back to second student creative “Gravos” the army jeep, then Shawar began exhibition at the university. filming by his mobile phone. The two soldiers quickly returned towards The assaults targeted the him and punched him on the face, correspondent and photographer abdomen and back. of Watan Agency Sari Sharif Abdel Ghaffar Jaradat (32 year-old), Halaiqa said he arrived in the photographer and correspondent of university about 10:30 am and “Al-Hadath” Newspaper, Musab Abd began filming the arrest of one of As-Samad Hamed Shawar Tamimi the students and some clashed took (28 year-old), and photographer place simultaneously. Two soldiers of “Zain” Agency Mohammad Izzat approached him and asked him to Mohammad Halaiqa. stop filming. He showed them his card and told them that he is a journalist Jaradat said that when he began and he held his camera to film. The filming the arrest of one of the two soldiers began punching him students (it was turned out later that on the head, face and back before the student is Qusay Ad-Darabeea’) a third masked soldier came and hit by his mobile camera, a soldier him on the head, caught his neck asked him not to film. Sari told the and dragged him to the military jeep. soldier that he is a journalist, then The soldiers tried to push him inside

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 49 2018 Details of violations the jeep but he resisted in order the end, he asked me to be more not to be arrested and beaten. He balanced in my articles. I told him that started screaming “I am a journalist. I I am a journalist and I do not insult am a journalist.” At this moment, one or underestimate anyone through of the soldiers took Mohammad’s my writings and that my critique is camera and took the memory out. also within the rational limits. After The soldiers started firing sound about two hours, I was released and grenades and gas canisters at the got my ID card and mobile phone.” students who then started throwing (12/4) An Israeli Border Guards stones at the soldiers. Mohammad soldier has fired rubber bullets at the used these events and ran away journalist Samer Mohammad Thabet from the soldiers. Shortly, a military (33 year-old) who is the Director jeep arrived with one of the army of Public Relations and Information officers who released the journalists at Shuqba village council. Thabet and gave them their cameras (canon was wounded in his thigh while he 5D, canon 7D) after deleting the was documenting a morning house material. demolition in the village of Shaqba (9/4), the Preventive Security Force in Ramallah governorate.” He told in Salfit summoned the freelance MADA that “in the morning of April journalist Khaled Amin Maa’li (52 12, four army patrols accompanied by year-old) and interrogated him. a bulldozer raided the western part “Ma’’li told MADA: “on 9/4 at 12 noon, of the village of Shuqba and began I received a phone call from the to demolish a house and agricultural Preventive Security Force and they facilities under the pretext of building asked me to go to their headquarters without a permit. At approximately in Salfit on Wednesday 11/4 at 10:00 8:00 am, a crowd of citizens were am. At the beginning I rejected to gathered about 150 meters from the go and considered it as an illegal army patrols and bulldozer. There summoning, but the security officer were some confrontations between told me that it is a simple issue and the citizens and the soldiers when does not require legal summoning. “ they tried to prevent the demolition. “I went to the preventive security The confrontations were escalated headquarters in Salfit on time where and some citizens started throwing my mobile and ID card were seized. stones at the soldiers who responded I was waiting for about 20 minutes by rubber bullet and gas canister and then called for interrogation. firing.” They asked me ordinary questions Thabet added: “I was filming by a that have been previously asked mobile phone without any indication many times by security forces, such that I am a journalist, but I told the as where do you work? how is the officer who approached me that I situation of media and the press in am the media officer in the village the country? And other questions council and I was documenting what on the Electronic Crimes Law. The was going on. At approximately officer asked me how many times 8:30, a soldier fired a rubber bullet I had been arrested by the Israeli at me from a 30-meter distance only authorities and he asked about my hitting me in the right thigh and I degree and whether I am a journalist was transferred to Palestine Medical or just a social media activist. By Complex for treatment.”

50 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

(13/4) the occupation army snipers after his injury), his health situation killed the journalist photographer was worsened and the doctors of “Ein Media” Company, Yaser Abd referred him back to the operations Ar-Rahman Mortaja (30 year- old), room to be announced dead after while he was covering the events one hour.” of the peaceful return march at the (13/4), freelance photographer, Gaza Strip borders. His colleague Mohammad Ali al-Hajjar (31 year-old), Hosam Hesham Salem (29 year-old), was wounded by bullet shrapnel in who works at the same company, his hand and knee by Israeli soldiers told MADA: “on Friday 13/4/2018, while he was covering the peaceful we went to Khuza’a area in the return march in Gaza. Al-Hajjar told southern Gaza Strip, namely to the MAD: “on 13/4 at 10:30 am I went to return camp, to cover the activities cover the third Friday return march of the second Friday of the peaceful to the east of Malaka Square in Gaza return march and we filmed the and I was wearing the full press Friday prayers and the citizens uniform. At about 2:30 pm, I and gathered there. After the prayers, a group of journalists stood about demonstrators set fire to car tires 200 meters from the border fence and Yasser was filming the scene to cover the demonstrations in that from behind, wearing protective place, the Israeli soldiers began firing shield and helmet and he was heavily, so I ran away to the north, about 350 meters from the border but at that moment I was injured by fence (where the Israeli soldiers a bullet shrapnel in my right arm and and snipers are deployed). The in my knee. It seems that the bullet soldiers started firing metal bullets hit a body next to me and exploded. at the demonstrators injuring one of At the beginning, I did not feel the them at the beginning. Then Yasser injury except when the young men was shot by an Israeli sniper in the noticed that I was bleeding. I went to left side of his lower abdomen and a nearby ambulance where its staff the bullet went out from the right offered me the first aid. They cleaned flank leaving its remains inside his and bandaged the wound and I left abdomen. “Yasser was transferred the place after about an hour.” to Nasser hospital in Khan Younes, (13/4) the reporter of Al-Amwal As- where he was taken to intensive care Saghira satellite channel, Raghda unit and then underwent a 4-hour Zeyad Yasin (23 year- old), was surgery in which part of his lever was severely suffocated as she was cut. It was found out that the bullet covering the return march to the had caused damage to the spleen east of Jabalia. Yasin told MADA: and ruptured some of the arteries, “the freelance cameraman Mahmoud which resulted in loosing much Ismael and I were in the Malaka area blood. The doctors had to provide East of Jabalia to cover the return him with 16 blood units, but his body march on 13/4. I was standing near a did not accept this blood.” gathering of journalists, ambulance He added: (after the surgery) he was and civil defense staff at about 600 taken to the intensive care room, meters from the border fence and where he was supposed to remain I was wearing the press uniform. under control for 24 hours, but at We (my colleague and I) were around 12 midnight (about 10 hours preparing a report on the violations

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 51 2018 Details of violations against journalists in the field. At Agency cameraman 0599755010 about 4:30 pm, during my interview simple gas inhalation east of Gaza with Al-Jazeera staff (a reporter (this is attached to Buhaisi report). and cameraman, I do not know (13/4) Israeli soldiers prevented a their names) for this end. We were number of journalists from covering targeted by three gas canisters, one the incident and arrest of a young of which fell between us, one to the man in Hebron. The two journalists right and the other to the left. This Maamoun Wazzouz and Abd Al- caused us severe suffocation. I felt Hafiz Diab Hashlamoun (54 year- suffocated and my face was burning old the European News Agency for 30 to 45 minutes and I received cameraman told Mada: “on Friday first aid treatment in the field.” 13/4/2018 at about 1:30 pm, clashes (13/4) The reporter of Iranian “Al- broke out between Palestinian youth A’alam” channel, Esraa Al-Buhaisi and Israeli soldiers in Bab al-Zawyeh (32 year-old) suffered from severe area in the center of Hebron, which suffocation and convulsions as Israeli is about 100 meters from an army soldiers fired several gas canisters at checkpoint located at the entrance a group of journalists while reporting to Al-Shuhada Street in Hebron. on the peaceful return marches in This is the boundary between the Gaza. Buhaisi told MADA that: “on Palestinian Authority-controlled 13/4, I was in the Malaka area to area and the Israeli-occupation- the East of Ash-Shajaeya in Gaza controlled part of what is known as to prepare a report on the peaceful the (H1 and H2) areas. The soldiers return march. After I finished a arrested a 15 year old young man, (stand) and while I was waiting for and during our covering to the arrest the burning of the Israeli flag at 2:30 (we were about 20 journalists there), pm. The Israeli occupation soldiers the soldiers pushed me, I Mamoun began heavy firing of bullets and gas Wazzouz, with their hands and in the area, which caused my severe threatened to throw sound grenades. suffocation. At that moment, I was Al-Hashlamoun was also pushed by not putting the muzzle on (because the soldiers some of whom put their the muzzle disturbs talking during hands on the cameras of journalists the preparation of the report), but I to prevent them from filming the was wearing a flak jacket, and I could arrest.” not run like the others. I fell and (17/4) On Tuesday evening 17/4/2018, had convulsions, but I was treated the Palestinian Preventive Security in the field. I was transferred to a Force arrested the Journalist Hazem field medical center in Malaka area Imad Hosni Naser (28 year old) from and stayed there for about an hour, his house located between Ektaba received further medical aid and and Shweika neighborhoods to the left, but I had convulsions the same north of Tulkarm. His cousin, Amin night for an hour during which my Khuwailid, who was in the house at husband helped me.” the time of arrest told MADA that Ahmad Abu Elbeh directly injured in 13 persons, ten were in uniform and the chest east of Jabalia/ Palestine three were in civil clothes, arrived in TV staff (Fuad Jarada 0592600719) Hazem’s house and asked him to go gas suffocation east of Gaza/ Odeh out. When he asked them about the Marwan al-Ghoul, Al-Mayadeen reason, they told him/ we want you/

52 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations and they took him to one of their until the end of Friday prayers military jeeps. as the number of demonstrators “MADA’s lawyer has followed up increased. At approximately 4:00 Naser’s case, whose arrest was pm, while I was standing about 700 extended more than once, and meters from the border fence far succeeded on Sunday 6/4/2018 to from the demonstrators filming and have a decision from the court to interviewing elderly women who release him and the decision was were watching the demonstration enforced at 09:00 pm the same day. distantly, I was shot by a metal bullet in the palm of my right hand. The (18/4) Israeli occupation intelligence bullet has hit my palm and exploded locked “Elia Youth Media” Foundation in the camera and damaged it.” headquarters after raiding it at noon. The director of the foundation He added: “I was taken to the field Ahmad Hussein Safadi (44 year old) medical center erected in that area told MADA “on Wednesday April and I received first aid there. At 18, 2018 at 12 noon, affiliates of the about 4:30 pm, I was transferred to Israeli occupation intelligence and al-Quds Hospital and stayed there members of the police and army for about an hour during which I raided the headquarters of the received the necessary treatment.” foundation in Salah al-Din Street in According to the Ministry of East Jerusalem. None of the staff Information in Gaza, six journalist were present as they avoided to were also injured in the eastern part attend the headquarters that day of Khan Younes, namely the British because of a blog by the Israeli “Image Live” cameraman Ahmad Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman Hasaballah, who was hit by a gas two days earlier (Monday, April 16, bomb in his right foot, cameraman of 2018) on Twitter describing the “Noor News Network” Du’aa Zoa’rob Ilia Youth Media Foundation as a who was seriously unconscious, /terrorist organization/ and the the camerawoman of “Balada” intelligence and police members channel Salsabil Abed who was hanged an order at the entrance also unconscious as a result of tear stipulating the closure of the gas, , the photographer of “Klakit foundation until further notice.” Radio” Ala’ Ali Abu Ruqaa’who was “I filed a complaint to the court suffocated and became unconscious through the Jerusalem Legal Aid by gas and the Cameraman of Center against the closure decision. Klakit Radio and “Kinan” Agency Muatasem Ahmad Al-Khatib who (20/4) The video cameraman of was suffocated by gas as well as the Gaza Media Center, Hamad Hassan freelance journalist Abdullah Ata Issa Mohammad al-Sawalhi (40 year old) who was suffocated and became was wounded in the palm of his hand unconscious by gas in the Central by an explosive bullet fired by Israeli Region. soldiers while he was preparing a report on the return march east of (22/4) The occupation soldiers Gaza. Sawalhi told MADA: on Friday detained the journalist at “B’Tselem” at 10:00 amGaza, to cover the organization Manal Al-Jabari in peaceful return march of the fourth Hebron after assaulting her for Friday and I was filming normally several times. Al-Jabari told MADA:

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 53 2018 Details of violations

“I went to the Ibrahimi Mosque search me normally and release me. area around 2:00 pm where there She took me out and then the officer were (two policemen and one decided to release me. I told him that policewoman) of border guards at I want to file a complaint, but he re- the checkpoint holding a woman assaulted me and turned my hands and two young men. After I arrived to my back painfully, pulled me to at the checkpoint and because they inside the station and pushed me to know me in person and they know the floor, handcuffed my hands and the place of my work, they left the told me that I am detained. One hour people they hold and they held me. later, I was transferred to Jaa’bara The policewoman began inspecting police station to arrive there at about me thoroughly so that she emptied 3:00 pm. Over the interrogation, my bag and threw everything on the there was no charge, but after telling ground, and she searched by her all the incident details, the officer hands. She asked me to stand on the decided to prevent me access to wall and raise my hands, but I did not the mosque area for 15 days and respond to her orders. So she called scheduled a court hearing for me an officer, who came with other five to be on 6/9/2018. I was released at border guards, and shouted at me to 9:00 pm. obey police orders. When I refused, Two days after my release and due he assaulted me and forced my to the strong pains I felt in my neck hand behind my back and pushed and shoulders, I went to the Shifa’ me hard against the wall. He asked Medical Complex in Hebron and the policewoman to inspect me in received the necessary treatment as the upstairs room. When I went up they found bruises on different parts to the inspection room, which was of of my body.” glass, I refused to take off my clothes (27/4) Israeli occupation forces and she began pushing me with her continued to target journalists for hands because of my refusal to be the fifth consecutive Friday, while inspected. From time to time, she covering the peaceful return marches used to turn my hands to my back along the Gaza Strip border, despite strongly with another policeman and they were in press uniform. These they insulted me. attacks have resulted in wounding Around 2:30 pm, the policeman 14 journalists, one of whom was asked the policewoman to take me shot by live ammunition and the to the mosque police station and others were directly injured by gas I was actually pulled there after canisters, suffocations and fainting half an hour of inspection and by inhaling the tear gas fired by the humiliation. With another police occupation army targeted them woman who was there, she took me and the participants in the peaceful to a room and asked me to fully take demonstration. off my clothes. When I refused, she According to investigations went out to tell the officer in charge. conducted by “MADA” field At this time I made a phone call researcher, 14 injuries among with Betselem organization. They journalists were documented in became crazy when they knew that the five events of peaceful return I called the organization and the marches to the east of Jabalia, Gaza, officer asked the policewoman to

54 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

Al-Bureij, Khan Younes and Rafah. (39 year old), who was a former 1. Freelance journalist Abdul employee of several foreign and Rahman Hani Abd Al-Qader local agencies was hit by a gas al-Kahlout (22 year old), was canister in his left foot, east of wounded by an explosive bullet Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. in the right foot while covering 6. Photographer of the “Al- events in the area of Malka, east Qala’a Media Network and of Gaza City although he was in correspondent of “Al-Hayat” uniform. Radio Station Nour Talal Salman Al-Kahlout has undergone three An-Najjar (22 year old), was hit surgeries. The first was at Dar Ash- by a gas canister in her right Shefa’ Hospital where the wound foot that also caused her severe was cleaned and decontaminated, suffocation while covering the the second was at Al-Quds Hospital march in Khuza’a area east of where the wound was also cleaned Khan Younes. She was transferred and decontaminated, while the to the Algerian Military Hospital third surgery was at the Indonesian in Bisan area and then to the Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip to European Hospital. remove the shrapnel and treat nerve damage. He still at the Indonesian hospital because of the cuts the injury caused to the nerves. 2. Director of Al-Mayadeen office in the Gaza Strip Na’im Ragheb Shahin /Dghaish (44 year old) was severely suffocated while covering the peaceful march in the Khuza’a area east of Khan Younes. A photographer of the Al-Qalaa news network and a reporter for Al-Hayat 3. A photographer from Hamas newspaper, Nour Al-Najjar, during the media office, Munib Samir gas inhalation east of Khan Younis in the Ahmad Abu Hatab (24 year old), Gaza Strip was injured by a gas canister in 7. Photographer of the “Palestine the neck while covering events Today” Channel, Mohammad in Khuza’a area east of Khan Abd Allah Mohammad Jouda Younes. He was transferred to (28) was hit by a gas canister the Algerian Military Hospital in while covering the events east of Bisan area for treatment. Rafah city in the southern Gaza 4. Journalist for the local “Hala Strip. He was transferred to the Palestine” agency, Hashem Eyad hospital. This is his third injury “Mohammad Hashem” Hamada after being hit two times earlier (25 year old), was hit by a gas by two gas canisters in the chest. canister in his head while he was 8. Al-Hurra Newspaper covering the events of the return correspondent, Wesam march in the Malaka area east of Mohammad Hasan Yasin (42 year Gaza City. old), was severely suffocated by 5. Freelance journalist, Abd Ar- the Israeli occupation forces tear Rahim Mohammad Dib Al-Khatib gas canisters fired while she was

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 55 2018 Details of violations

covering the peaceful march in an ambulance. the Malaka area east of Gaza city. 14. EPA photographer, Saber Nour This is the second time Yassin Ad-Din (38 year old), who was was suffocated as the first was fainted due to tear gas inhalation in the fourth Friday of return while covering the events of the marches in the same place. return march in the Malaka area 9. Palestinian TV cameraman east of Gaza City. Mohammad Samir Salim al-Agha 15. Other journalists had less severe (29 year old), was seriously suffocation and did not receive suffocated while covering the any treated at medical points or events of the return march in the hospitals. Malaka area east of Gaza City. (25/4) A journalist in Sawt Ash- He was transferred to Ash-Shifa’ Shaab radio station and freelance Medical Complex for treatment. photographer Ahmad “Mohammad 10. Palestine TV correspondent, Ashraf” Hasan Abu Husein (24 year Islam Imad Mohammad Az- old) was killed by an explosive bullet Zaa’noun (28 year old), was fired by an Israeli sniper on Friday severely suffocated while 13/4/2018 while covering the events covering the events of the return of the peaceful return march Abu march in the Malaka area east of Safiya area east of Jabalia re f ugee Gaza City and was treated in the camp. field. According to the field investigations 11. Photographer of “Shams News” conducted by MADA Center with local agency, journalist Hasan eyewitnesses, they stated that at Hussein Hosni al-Jedi (25 year approximately 02:15 pm on Friday, old), was seriously suffocated April 13, Ahmad Mohammad Ashraf east of Gaza City and was Hasan Abu Husein (24 year old) was transferred to Ash-Shifa’ Hospital wounded by an explosive bullet in for treatment. his left part of abdomen fired by the 12. Photographer and correspondent Israeli occupation forces while he of “Fursan Al-Irada” radio was working in Al-Awda camp east station, journalist Nihad Fuad of Abu Safiyya to the east of Jabalia Ibrahim Abu Ghalioun (33 year refugee camp in the northern Gaza old), was hit by direct tear Strip. He was in press uniform gas canister in his back fired (helmet with a TV sign and blue flak by Israeli soldiers during his with “Press” sing on it) in what is coverage of the peaceful march known as the Jaker Street, which is in Tallat Abu Safiya area east of about 300 meters from the border Jabalia refugee campand he was fence (where Israeli soldiers and transferred to the Awda Hospital snipers are deployed). for treatment. According to eyewitnesses (Thaer 13. Photographer of the Chinese Fadl Ahmad Az-Za’anin, Nour Ad- agency “Shenkhuwa”, journalist Din Abd As-Sattar and Ramadan Al- Wesam Samir Nassar (34 year Kurdi), journalist Ahmad Abu Hussein old) was suffocated by gas while was present on Friday, 13/4/2018, he was covering the events east by 8:00 am in the area, filming the of Gaza City. He was treated in peaceful demonstrators and he was

56 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations waiting in the journalists’ tent until northern Gaza Strip at approximately 2:00 pm. When the demonstrators 10:00 pm towards the Palestinian flooded the area simultaneously with Medical Complex in Ramallah, where the Israeli occupation army firing of he arrived at around midnight. gas canisters and live ammunition at According to Ash-Shurafi, Ahmad them, he left the tent that is about Abu Hussein underwent a surgery on 700 meters from the border fence Monday 16/ 4/2018 in the Palestinian and headed to the Jaker Street Medical Complex in Ramallah as the (approximately 300 meters from Israeli hospitals refused to receive the border fence) and stationed him. His position has stabilized near the ambulances and medical until Thursday (19/4/2018), then his staff for filming. About ten minutes health has deteriorated. The Ministry later, around 2:10 pm, he was busy in of Health has again contacted filming the demonstrators who were the Israeli hospitals and only Tel directly next to the border fence, he Hashomer Hospital agreed to was wounded by a live bullet in the receive him. He arrived at the Israeli left abdomen and immediately fell hospital at 12:00 midnight, but the on the ground. He was transferred doctors were on leave on Friday by an ambulance to the Indonesian and Saturday. On Sunday 22/4/2018, hospital in the northern Gaza Strip. the Israeli doctors met to assess his He was admitted to the operation condition and the declared that he room immediately and underwent a had no treatment as he suffers from life-saving surgery. He was suffering brain damage and decided to send from internal bleeding as announced him back to the Gaza Strip, but his by the physicians who have been mother refused. He stayed at the there and described his situation as hospital until he was announced serious. dead on Wednesday night, April 25, Rami Ash-Shurafi, a member of 2018 at around 3: 35 am. The body the General Secretariat of the was returned the same day to the Journalists Syndicate, who has been Indonesian hospital in the Gaza Strip following his condition since he was at around 6:30 pm, and his funeral admitted at the hospital, stated was Thursday 26/4/2018 in Falluja that the following day, Saturday cemetery of Jabalia refugee camp. 14/4/2018, necessary arrangements were made by the hospital and the Ministry of Health to transfer him to treatment after his condition stabilized, but the Israeli occupation was slow to issue an urgent approval for his. After pressure by many jurist organizations and a follow up by the Journalist Syndicate, the Israeli occupation agreed, at 7:00 pm on Sunday 15/4/2018, to issue a permit Martyrs of the press in 2018, to allow him access to the West Bank Photographer of the Ain Media Agency Yasser Murtaja and Ahmed Abu Hussein for treatment. He was transferred journalist on Sawt Al-Sha’b radio station the same day by an ambulance to (30/4) The Palestinian Presidential Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing in the

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 57 2018 Details of violations

Office in Ramallah banned Al-Ghad to MADA “on the 1st of May 2018, I TV correspondent Diyaa’ Ahmad went to Al-Issawiya in Jerusalem to Saleh Hoshiyyeh (36 year old) cover a demolition far away from the from covering the proceedings of main street, after it was completed; the Palestinian National Council the Israeli forces which executed (parliament) held on 30/4/2018. the demolition have withdrawn Hoshiyyeh told MADA that like at around 12:00PM. The forces other journalists and after the were far from the place where the announcement of the opening of demonstrators gathered to protest the registration of journalists who against the demolition”. are willing to cover the conference Al-Salaimeh added “meanwhile, as announced through a website the demonstrators began throwing circulated by the Palestinian stones at soldiers, who in turn began Presidency Media on 20/4/2018, the throwing stun grenades against the correspondent of Al-Ghad TV, Diyaa’ demonstrators. While I was shooting Hoshiyyeh has registered the same these events, standing behind the day and received an email from the demonstrators at least 150 meters Presidency Office after about 15 away from the Israeli soldiers, I was minutes stating that the process has shot with two rubber bullets in my succeeded and a reference number upper right thigh in a sensitive area. was attached to that email. The first aid was provided to me I continued waiting the approval immediately in the Red Crescent and instructions usually sent by the ambulance. Then I was taken to the Palestinian presidency regarding the Emergency Work Injuries Center in access of journalists. 9 days late (on Jerusalem and stayed there for two 29/4/2018) I found that all journalists hours where I received the necessary received e-mails from the Presidency treatment. The medical staff has Office approving their entry to cover made certain that my body was free the sessions of the National Council, from any fractions, but the doctor accompanied by instructions and requested that I run an MRA without details of entry, but I did not receive any deadline being set”. a similar message like my colleagues. (3/5) The Israeli occupying forces After inquiries and phone calls made have arrested the media student at through friends who contacted some Al-Quds University, Khaleel Mustafa officials, I was assured that there Khaleel Kanaan, (20 years old), after was a decision to prevent Al-Ghad raiding one of the dorm rooms in Al- TV from entering the presidential Sawahra, Jerusalem. Omar Kanaan, headquarters for coverage without Khaleel’s brother, has reported to giving further details. MADA Center “around 3:30 AM, on May: 3rd May 2018, an occupying force has raided the dorm room of one (1-5) the videographer of Al- of Khaleel’s friends in Al-Sawahra Jazeera, Wael “Mahmoud Daoud” where Khaleel was at that night. Al-Salaimeh (53 years old), was The force brought police dogs, a injured with rubber bullets by the number of which surrounded the occupation soldiers while he was nearby buildings of the dorm room. covering events in Al-Issawiya in An eye-witness has also reported Jerusalem. Al-Salaimeh has reported that the soldiers have bombed the

58 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations entrance of the building and went (4/5) Gaza Strip, Friday, up to the dorm room, raided it and corresponding 4th May 2018, the arrested Khaleel. The Complaints security elements have detained Unit informed us that currently he is Palestine TV staff: the programs at Moscobiya prison”. producer, Sameer Rafiq Adam Iskaik (4/5) the photographer of Al- (38 years old), and his colleague, Aqsa TV, Sami Jamal Taleb Matran, the TV cameraman in Gaza, Shaheer (34 years old), was shot with a Mueen Shaheer Al-Hilo, while they rubber bullet in his shoulder while were interviewing citizens about he was covering the events of the their views on the Palestinian peaceful return march, to the east of National Council meeting. They have Bureij Camp, Gaza Strip, on Friday, also confiscated the video material corresponding 4 May 2018. they prepared before being released after about three hours of detention According to MADA field researcher, in the street. Sami Matran, along with his colleagues from Al-Aqsa TV, after Friday prayer, According to the investigations of (around 1:30 PM), began preparing MADA field researcher in Gaza, both: their imaging equipment to cover the programs producer, Sameer Rafiq the demonstrators at the separating Adam Iskaik, and the photojournalist, fence. Only few moments later, the Shaheer Mueen Shaheer Al-Hilo, Israeli soldiers shot a barrage of gas were assigned to interview the bombs against the demonstrators. citizens about their views on the The clashes began to escalate when outputs of the Palestinian National the demonstrators approached the Council meeting and the speech of separating fence. After that, Matran the president, Mahmoud Abbas, on started reporting these events Friday, corresponding 4 May 2018. live and directly using his “phone” Accordingly, around 11:00 AM, on camera. It was only a matter of Friday, corresponding 4 May 2018, moment before he was shot with the staff interviewed some citizens a rubber bullet in his left shoulder, from various areas in Gaza Strip, even though he was 300 meters and while working, the staff was away from the Israeli soldiers. After holding the logo of Palestine TV. he was shot, he fell to the ground, After interviewing one of the citizens the emergency personnel took him against the Italian Tower, in Al-Nassir to the medical point of Palestine St., a man wearing a white robe, has Red Crescent, where first aid was approached them and asked them provided to him and then he was to show their “authorization for taken to Al- Aqsa Martyrs Hospital interviewing citizens”. When Sameer in Der Al-Balah, to follow up his Iskaik asked the man to identify condition. The medical report stated himself, he replied that he works in that the bullet was a rubber bullet the Ministry of Interior, and asked that has caused a hole in his left him more than once to show his ID shoulder. An x-ray was taken for him or any identification, but he refused. for fear that the bullet might have Soon, the situation escalated, and caused fractures in the shoulder. the man in the white robe asked After receiving the treatment, he the TV staff to remain in the same was taken home. place until security elements arrive

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 59 2018 Details of violations to arrest them and take them to a returned the confiscated material. security headquarters. Then there (5/5) denying access of the was altercation between the man Palestinian political security officer and the staff, he called several in Jenin, the reporter of “Altra persons, and indeed 3 civilians Palestine”, the journalist Mohammad have showed up to the place within Ali Ateeq (26 years old), to Jenin moments. In half an hour of this Shopping Festival. Ateeq reported incident, Iskaik called the Media to MADA “around 10:00AM, on Relations and Publishing Officer at Saturday 5 May 2018, I went to the Ministry of Interior in Gaza Strip, cover Jenin Shopping Festival, Bader Bader, and told him what has and even though I was holding an happened. Bader was surprised by authorization to cover this event, I the man’s dress, and he spoke to the was denied access. I tried to enter civilian (who interfered with the TV for the first time, but was surprised staff). Bader has confirmed to the to be denied access by the Political staff that they should have obtained Security Officer in Jenin (Maher a prior authorization to interview Jaradat), not to mention that he the citizens. Subsequently, a black asked the police components to frisk Jeep, marked “Central Operations”, me and inspect my vehicle. After the has arrived, 3 persons with black inspection, the police components military dress got off the vehicle. allowed me to enter, but Jaradat Iskaik tried to speak with them to refused and prevented me to enter. understand what is happening. Two He asked what I was doing and why and a half hours later, Bader Badder I was there, and who the person in arrived to the place, as well as the charge of me is. Public Relations Director at Palestine “The photographer, Alaa Badarnah TV, Mueen Al-Hilo. Both journalists (in charge of the media coverage of have explained what has happened, the festival), has arrived after I called after negotiations, they agreed not him, and when he came Maher told to arrest the TV staff and to take him that I, in particular, cannot enter, them to one of the centers in return otherwise I will arrested” he added. for confiscating the video material. Indeed, they took the video material For what I can see, Jaradat denied and asked the staff, orally and my access for personal reasons, officially, to obtain an authorization especially he had investigated with before interviewing any of the me during my arrest in prior period citizens. By that time, it was 4:00 while I was in the custody of the PM. Palestinian Security Services”. According to the documentation (11/5) the Israeli occupation police of MADA researcher, the Director have assaulted five journalists while of Public Relations in Palestine TV they were covering a demonstration has emphasized that the Ministry in Silwan, following Friday prayer, on of Interior in Gaza had officially 11 May 2018, to protest at the Israeli requested him to obtain a prior excavations and graves exhumation authorization in the event of outdoor carried out by the Israeli Ministry of shooting by Palestine TV staff. He Antiquities and Nature in Al-Rahma also pointed out that the Ministry of cemetery adjacent to the wall of the Interior, on the 9th of May, 2018, has Old City of Jerusalem, to establish

60 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations a garden on parts of the Islamic 4. Al-Kufiya Reporter, Nawal Imad cemetery to serve the Israeli settlers. Ibrahim Hijazi (32 years old), According to the investigations who was pushed and forced and documentation of the field out by the occupying forces researcher of “MADA” in Jerusalem, which obstructed her work and the Israeli police and security forces prevented her from completing attacked the demonstrators violently the media coverage. and assaulted the journalists who 5. Palestine Today reporter, Liwa’ were present to cover the protest, Abu Rumailah (27 years old), resulting in the seven injured who had been bruised in her left journalists listed below: hand as a result of falling to the 1. The photographer of Al-Arz ground after being pushed by the Media Production Company, special units components while Firas Fayez Abdullah Hindawi (27 she was shooting the assaults years old), who was assaulted of the special units against the by being beaten and pushed demonstrators and journalists on by the Israeli special units while her cell phone. recording a video report for (11/5) The Middle East Monitor Palestine TV, around 02:00PM. reporter, Motasem Ahmad Ibrahim He was accompanied by the Daloul (38 years old) shot with an reporter, Christine Al-Renawi, in explosive bullet in his back while addition to his injury; damage he was covering the return march was caused to his camera when events, on Friday, corresponding 11 the occupying forces withdrew May 2018, in Malka, to the east of the “microphone” which Gaza Strip. destroyed its portal. Daloul has reported in his statement 2. Palestine TV reporter, Christine to MADA field researcher “while I Khaled Waleed Al-Renawi (29 was with a group of journalists 50 years old), who had been bruised meters away from the border fence, as a result of being pushed and in Malka, to the east of Gaza Strip, on forced out from the place by the Friday, corresponding 11 May 2018, I Israeli special units while she was was shot with an explosive bullet directly reporting to Palestine TV in my back, and I was not wearing at 02:00 PM about the ongoing my press shield and helmet. The protest at Al-Rahma Cemetry, ambulance immediately came and where she was pushed by one of took me to Dar Al-Shifa’ Hospital. the Israeli security components The nurses found that the injury to force her out from Al-Asbat was caused by an explosive bullet Gate, while they were dispersing (I heard them talking about it while the demonstrators. I was still conscious). As soon as I 3. Al-Kufiya TV photographer, arrived at the hospital, the doctors Ghassan Khader Abu Eid (35 immediately took me to the surgical years old), who was pushed operations room and performed a and forced out while he was surgery to me. It showed that the documenting the assaults of the bullet fragments have injured the occupying forces against Al- kidney, lungs and liver. Then they took Rahma Gate cemetery at 02:00. me to the intensive care unit, where

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 61 2018 Details of violations

I stayed for five consecutive days. home. He continued his treatment After my state of health improved, for a week until he stopped feeling I was transferred to the surgery any pain. department for 10 days. After that, (13/5) The Israeli occupation forces I left the hospital, but I continued have threatened a number of reviewing my state of health with the journalists and prevented them from doctors in the hospital every week covering an attack by the settlers given the pain and fatigue I kept against the Palestinian citizens while feeling”. they were planting olive seedlings in (11/5) the freelance photojournalist, a land threatened with confiscation Mahmoud Bassam Ahmad Al-Jamal in Turmosaya on the anniversary (24 years old), from Rafah, injured of Al-Nakba. Al-Hayat Al-Jadida with a gas bomb in his right thigh photographer, Issam Al-Rimawi while he was covering the events reported: “At 11:00 AM, on 13 May of the return march to the east of 2018, while a number of citizens were Khuza’a in Gaza Strip on Friday, actively planting olive seedlings in the corresponding 11 May 2018. territories of Turmosaya, they were According to the investigations of attacked by 10 Israeli settlers who MADA field researcher, Mahmoud Al- have rooted out the olive seedlings Jamal went to the east of Khuza’a, at which were planted and assaulted about 1:15, where he and a number of those who have participated in journalists moved towards the fence, the event, in sight of the Israeli noting that he was wearing a shield occupying forces, which were and a helmet with the press badge present to prevent the Palestinian on them. He stopped at a distance journalists from covering the event. of about 250 meters away from the They threatened and prevented the demonstrators to take pictures of journalists, Mohammad Turkman, a the events in that area, and at about photographer at Reuters, Hisham 3:30, he was shot with a gas bomb in abu Shaqra, a Photographer at the the thigh. One of the journalists took Turkish Anatolia Agency, and Issam him on a motorcycle (since there was Al-Rimawi, a photographer at Al- no ambulance) to the Field Hospital, Hayat Al-Jadida newspaper, to cover about 500 meters away from the this event”. separation fence. (There, he noticed “There were no clashes, the event that the journalists, Mohammed Al- was very peaceful, and we were Thalathini, a photographer at the carrying our imaging equipment. We Turkish Anatolia Agency and Yasser did not wear the press uniform since Qadih, a photographer at Palestine the event was peaceful. The soldiers, newspaper, were injured at the same who were border guards (wearing time with gas bombs in their legs). dark green uniforms), forced us out, The doctors have given him the pushed us and threatened to destroy necessary treatment, five minutes our cameras. Without any warning, later he left the hospital and resumed they violently pushed our cameras work. When he returned to the house (whenever any of us carried his at 6:30 PM, he felt pain and went camera to shoot), and they pushed to Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Hospital in us very hard. This has happened to Rafah to receive treatment, which me and my colleagues, Hisham abu indeed he received, and went back Shaqra and Mohammad Turkman”,

62 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

Al-Rimawi added. for half an hour until the ambulance (13/5) Israeli security components of Nouran Association arrived after have attacked a reporter of it was called upon by the butchery “Palestine Voice” Radio in Jerusalem, owner. The ambulance took me the journalist, Mohammed Khalil to Al-Maqased Hospital where I Abed Rabbo Fasfous (56 years old), underwent medical examination, when he was at Al-Misrarah Market the place of injury was x-rayed, entrance in Jerusalem to cover a and I was heavily bruised. I left the march of the Israeli settlers. He was hospital around one hour later, and pushed very hard by the security the doctor recommended that I rest components and fell to the ground at home for one week without work” resulting in bruises in his back which he added. caused him to stay at home for one “After I fell to the ground, I suffered week under the recommendation from intense nausea and sweating. of doctors. Fasfous has reported When I was in the butchery, I suffered to MADA “me, and a group of slurred speech and inability to speak. my colleagues, were at the main Today, about 10 days after my injury, entrance of Al-Misrarah Market, in I still suffer severe pain due to the Jerusalem, to cover the march of trauma and bruises caused by the Israeli settlers organized annually. injury” Abderabbo added. We were forced out and pushed (14/5) the freelance photographer, more than five meters away from the Yasmin Akram Al-Na’ouq (24 years main street. Prior to that, I had put old), shot with a bullet in her back my phone to be charged in one of and a gas bomb while she was the cell phone stores. Subsequently, covering the return march events, to the Israeli soldiers of the border the east of Jabalia, on 14 May 2018. guards forces came and ordered Based on the investigations of the owner to close the store, but he MADA field researcher, Al-Na’ouq refused to respond to their orders was wearing her press uniform, and and requested them to bring into she approached a distance of about view a court order that obligates 200 meters towards the border him to close the store. Meanwhile I fence to cover the events of the tried to take back my phone from return march, but as she continued the owner of the store, one of the to approach, she was unaware that soldiers rushed from behind and she was about 50 meters away, while pushed me very hard, and when I shooting dozens of demonstrators turned round to him, he pushed me in that area. In the meantime, the again more violently, I heavily fell on soldiers stationed near the border my back to the ground”. fence fired a brutal barrage of live “When I fell to the ground, I felt my bullets. One of the bullets hit her back was broken in halves. I tried to in the back while she was shooting stand up, but I couldn’t. A woman using a “tablet”. Shortly thereafter, saw me and helped me to stand up; the tablet fell from her hand and I walked slowly and crawled until I crashed. She hardly asked for help reached Al-Natshah Butchery. There until a small drone fired about 30 I sat on a chair, but given the severe gas bombs, two of which hit her in pain I felt in my back, I could not sit the back, (one in the back and the down, so I laid down on the floor other in her side).

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 63 2018 Details of violations

Al-Na’ouq reported that she lost was shot by the Israeli snipers with consciousness and did not wake a bullet that caused a hole in his left up until she reached the field leg, and he fell to the ground. He medical point in the eastern part of was immediately taken to the Field Jabalia and heard the doctor saying Hospital established by the Ministry that she needs to be taken to Al- of Health. He was then transferred to Awda Hospital, but she soon lost Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Governmental consciousness and could not regain Hospital in Rafah, where he her consciousness until late at night underwent several operations to in Al-Awda Hospital, where she remove the bullet fragments from found herself on the bed with her his injured leg. It was found that the family surrounding her. bullet which injured him caused nerve Al-Na’ouq was discharged from the damage, and he stayed nine days in hospital at 3:30 PM, on the following the hospital. He still suffers from the day, corresponding 15 May 2018, effects of the injury, and cannot walk under the doctor’s warning to avoid on his feet, except with a crutch. He movement for fear that her injury in needs another operation to remove the back may aggravate. The doctor other fragments which still in his leg. also asked her to make CT Scan for The doctors recommend him not to fear that there might be laceration remove the fragments of the bullet in the bones. However, until 7 June at the present time for fear he might 2018, she did not run the scan given lose the ability to walk on feet, since the overcrowding at Al-Shifa Hospital they are lodged in a sensitive area. with those wounded in the peaceful return marches. Yasmin Al-Na’ouq stated that she is still suffering from suffocation and headache due to gas inhalation, exhaustion, and back pain. (14/5) In Rafah, to the south of Gaza Strip, the journalist, Farhan Hashem Abu Hadayd, 26 years old, was wounded by a live bullet in his left leg while he was covering the events of the return march to the east of Rafah in Gaza Strip on 14 May 2018. Farhan Abu Hadayd, a journalist with According to the investigations of the Safad Press network, while being taken to Abu Yousef al-Najjar hospital, MADA field researcher, the journalist, after he was injured by a bullet fired by Abu Hadayed, at around 11:30 AM, an Israeli sniper, east of Rafah on 14 May 2018, was in the east of (14/5) the occupation soldiers have Rafah, 300 meters away from the assaulted no less than 8 journalists separating fence to cover the events (one of them was injured with two of the peaceful return march. He metal bullets) while they were was there with four other journalists, covering a demonstration that who were all wearing shields marked was launched from Ramallah to (Press). While he was trying to shoot Qalandya crossing at the entrance some photos for demonstrators, he of Jerusalem City to protest to the

64 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations opening of the American Consulate rubber, one of them injured his left in Jerusalem City on the occasion of leg, and the other injured his left Al-Nakba annual anniversary. hand. He also fainted and suffered According to the investigation suffocation during his coverage of of the field researcher of MADA, the clashes between Palestinians the peaceful march was launched and Israeli soldiers following the from the center of Ramallah to Israeli soldiers’ suppression of the Qalandya crossing around 1:30 PM, demonstration with tear gas, rubber on Monday, corresponding 14 May and metal bullets. He was taken by 2018. At the same time the march the ambulance to the Palestinian reached the crossing, the soldiers Medical Complex. After his health approached towards the entrance stabilized, he was discharged from of Qalandia refugee camp adjacent the hospital. to the mentioned crossing (where The reporter of Palestine TV, Khaled the march was passing). In the mean Salman Mutawea, (30 years old), time, the border guards soldiers was also suffocated due to inhaling started to attack and assault the tear gas and he received field aid journalists who were covering the following his injury. march, with the bayonets pointed at (14/5) 11 journalists were suffocated them and by kicking them with their and wounded by live bullets by legs. One of the journalists was not Israeli occupation forces during their injured due to the beating as he was coverage of the return marches at the wearing a vest. The soldiers threw separating fence to the east of Gaza many stun grenades and tear-gas to Strip on Monday, corresponding 14 force the journalists at gunpoint to May 2018, which is the day on which leave the area. the opening of the US Consulate in These assaults and the attempts Jerusalem was taking place, on the to prevent media coverage have annual anniversary of Al-Nakba, affected: the freelance journalist, 15 May 2018, even though all of Iyad Salah Jadallah, (34 years them (the journalists) were wearing old), was pushed and kicked, the the press uniform (the shield and photographer of Noor Photo Agency, helmet) when they were injured. Ahmad Hassan Tala’t, (24 years old), According to the investigations the reporter of Arab Al-Ghad TV, and documentation of the field Ahmad Saleh Housheya (34 years researcher of MADA, no less than 11 old), Al-Ghad TV photographer, of the journalists, on that day, were Monther Mohammad Shehadeh Al- injured by the Israeli occupation Khateeb (33 years old), the reporter soldiers in the east of Gaza Strip, of Al-Hurra American TV, Fatin Aref namely: Abdullah Alwan (37 years old), 1. The photojournalist at Palestine and the Turkish Anatoli Agency Newspaper, Yassir Fathi photographer, Hisham Kamel Abu Abdullah Qdaih, (35 years old), Shakra, (29 years old). injured with an explosive bullet At the same time, the German TV in the abdomen, shot by the photographer, Rajae Mahfouth Al- occupation snipers while he was Khateeb, (37 years old), was injured covering the events of the Return with two metal bullets covered with March which was taking place in

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 65 2018 Details of violations

Malka, to the east of Gaza. Qdaih shot with live bullet in his right was taken in the ambulance to thigh around 10:00 AM, while Al-Shifa’ Medical Complex, his he was in an area called “Jakar”, state of health was diagnosed 300 meters away from the as critical, he immediately separating fence, in Malka to the underwent a lifesaving operation, east of Gaza, he was standing, in which part of the spleen was at that moment, between two removed, then he was taken to ambulances wearing the press the intensive care unit, where he uniform (] the shield and helmet). stayed until dawn of Tuesday, Abu Dahrouj was transferred to corresponding 15 May 2018. Shifa Hospital, where the bullet After that, he was taken to Al- was removed from his thigh Maqased Hospital in Jerusalem and he received the appropriate as his injury was very serious. medical treatment. He was 2. Al-Jazeera Office Director discharged from the hospital on in Gaza, the journalist Wael the same day, due to the great Hamdan Ibrahim Al-Dahdouh, number of injuries that were (48 years old), shot in his right transferred to the hospital and hand, while he was getting ready the lack of space for him to stay. to report directly to Al-Jazeera 5. The photojournalist at Reuters, from the field in Malka, in the Ahmad Abdelfattah Atiyah east of Gaza Strip where he was Zaqout, (34 years old), injured covering the events, he was 500 with fragments of an explosive meters away from the separating bullet in his thigh and armpit, his border fence, he was in his press camera lens was also damaged uniform (the shield and helmet), because of the bullet fragments, he was shot with live bullet in while he was covering the return his right hand, which caused march events in Malka to the east bleeding, and was treated in the of Gaza. He was taken directly field by the medical staff. by an ambulance to Al-Shifa 3. Al-Kufiya TV reporter, the Medical Complex. The doctors journalist, Suad Mohammad removed the bullet fragment Kamel Akilah, (30 years old), from his lower right armpit, suffered severe suffocation when but they could not remove the Israeli drones fired a barrage of fragment that injured him in the tear gas bombs, while Akilah was thigh. They took medical images covering the events 500 meters for him, after making certain of away from the separating fence, his safety; he was discharged and when she attempted to from the hospital with some escape from the gas bombs, she medications. He is still following fell to the ground, and twisted up his state of health with the her ankle, she received field hospital to remove the fragment treatment by the medical staff that injured him in the thigh. where she was. 6. The photojournalist at Palestine 4. The photojournalist at Zain Today News Agency, Daoud Nimr Media, Mohammad Ismail Ateeq Abu Al-Kas, (26 years old), who Abu Dahrouj, (29 years old), was injured by explosive gunshot fragments in the palm of his left

66 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

hand, while he was covering the given to him in the field. The events of the return march in the journalist Youssef Faris was not area of Malka to the East of Gaza in the press uniform, and was City, where he received first aid about 400 meters away from the at the field medical point of the separating fence. Palestinian Red Crescent, he was 9. A reporter of Itehad Press, the then taken by the ambulance to journalist Mohammad Wael Al-Quds hospital in Tel Al-Hawa Abdeljawad Al-Dweik, from to the south of Gaza City, where Sheikh Al-Radwan, suffered a he received the treatment and wound caused by an explosive the fragments were removed bullet fragments while he was from the palm of his hand, his covering the events of the return wounds were cleansed and then march on the occasion of Al- he was discharged, the doctors Nakba anniversary on Monday, recommended him to follow corresponding 14 May 2018, in up with the orthopedic and Malka to the east of Gaza City, the neurology department. first aid was given to him in field, 7. The photojournalist at Wafa fragments has injured his hands News Agency, Rafi Khatam as a result of the injury of another Mohammad Al-Mileh, (41 years citizen who was standing next to old), who was shot in his right him, even though Al-Dweik was hand in addition to an injury in his wearing the press uniform and elbow by a bullet fragment, while was about 100-150 meters away he was covering the events of the from the border fence. return march in Malka to the east 10. Palestine Newspaper reporter, of Gaza City, he was transferred the journalist Rabee Ahmad to Dar Al-Shifa Hospital, where Sulaiman Abu Naqera, (29 years the fragment was removed old), suffered severe suffocation, from his elbow while the bullet because of the gas bombs thrown remained in his right hand, he by the Israeli occupation, he was needs a surgery to remove the given the first aid in the field by bullet, he is still following up with the medical staff there, he was the doctors to set a date for the in his press uniform among the required surgery to remove the demonstrators, about 50 meters bullet from his hand. away from the border fence east 8. The editor-in-chief of Naba of Rafah to the south of Gaza, News Agency, the journalist to cover the events of the return Yousef Mohammad Hassan march in that area. Fares, (29 years old), he fainted (14-5) Two journalists were wounded when the Israeli drones fired a by Israeli occupation forces during barrage of tear gas bombs on their coverage of the events of the the demonstrators in Abu Safia, return march and demonstrations in the east of Jabalia, to the to protest against the move of the north of Gaza Strip on Monday, American Consulate to Jerusalem corresponding 14 May 2018, on 14 May 2018, while they were in where a gas bomb fell between an area known as “Abu Raida Gate” his feet, which made him suffer southeast of Khuza’a in Khan Younis. severe suffocation. First aid was

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 67 2018 Details of violations

According to the investigations of Malka to the east of Gaza. MADA field researcher, the field Al-Arini reported to MADA reporter of Khan Younes Media field researcher, that on Friday, Network, the journalist, Abdullah corresponding 14 May, 2018, he was Al-Shorbagi (how old is he …) was in Malka to the east Gaza City, he injured with a gunshot that exited went to cover the events of Al-Nakba his thigh, shot by the Israeli soldiers anniversary, about 300 meters away positioned at the separating fence from the border fence, he reported “I while Al-Shorbagi was shooting “live” felt something has injured my right from “Abu Raida Gate” via his cell hand, in a moment, I saw the blood phone, to the east of Kuza’a (east of coming out from my hand, and I Khan Younes), on 14 May 2018, even began to feel pain, so I lift my hand though he was 300 meters away to the paramedics who came and from the separating fence (where took me to the ambulance and found the Israeli soldiers were) and he was that I was shot with a live bullet that in his press uniform. entered and exited, first aid was The doctors have reported (who are given to me in the ambulance, I was the doctors… a name or source …) then transferred to Al-Quds Hospital, that the gunshot which injured Al- to the south of Gaza, the wound was Shorbagi who is still lying in Gaza cleansed and my hand was imaged, Europe Hospital (3 June 2018), has I was discharged on the same day”. wounded him in the colon and the It should be noted that Al-Arini was femur and he needs a treatment that not in his press shield at the moment will last for several months. he was injured. On the same day, 14 May 2018, the (14/5) the photojournalist, Yahya photojournalist at Khan Younes Fuad Timraz, (30 years old), shot in Media Network, Khaled Jihad Hajjaj his left thigh, the bullet injured him Shubair, was also injured with a through the back and exited through gas bomb in his back, even though the front, while he was covering the he was 350 meters away from the events of the return march east of separating fence, in the east of Al-Buraij Camp. Khuza’a, Khan Younes, and he was According to the investigations in his press shield and holding his of MADA field researcher, and camera. The bomb which injured him the statements of Timraz, the in the back has cut off part of the photojournalist, Yahya Fuad Timraz, shield and caused burns to his back. around 10:00AM, on Monday (14 He received treatment in the Field May 2018), went to the east of Al- Hospital at the Al-Awda camp, and Buraij Camp, in the centre of Gaza his injury was described as slight. Strip, to cover the events of the (14/5) the Technician at Amwaj Return March, around 12:00PM, the Sport, Mahmoud Salman Ibrahim Al- demonstrators began approaching Arini, (26 years old), who suffered a the separating fence, and stopped at wound caused by a bullet through his 150 meters away from the fence, at right hand, on Friday corresponding that moment, the Israeli occupation 14 May 2018, while he was covering forces heavily fired gas bombs the return march events on the and tear gas against them, which occasion of Al-Nakba anniversary in increased the number of injured

68 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations demonstrators. At around 02:30, the journalists, while they were leaving journalist Timraz decided to withdraw the site; the Israeli occupation from the site, he was accompanied forces fired a barrage of gas bombs by a number of journalists and and rubber bullets, wounding two photographers, at that moment, the journalists: occupying forces randomly fired and 1. Palestine Post reporter (A shot him with a bullet that entered news site on social networks in and exited his left thigh, he was Turkey), Nisreen Abdelkareem taken to the field medical point by Shami, (28 years old), who some demonstrators, there was no suffered suffocation, as she was ambulance available at site when he trying to escape, to get away was injured, he was given the first aid and reach the ambulance, one of in the field, the bullet entered his left the soldiers shot and wounded thigh through the back and exited her with two rubber bullets, one through the front, given the growing in the elbow of her left hand and number of the injured, he had to the other in her shoulder. wait at the medical point about 20 2. An-Najah University TV minutes, he was then transferred Photographer, the journalist, to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital (every Omair Jamal Lutfi Istaita, (24 seven wounded persons were taken years old), who was shot with a in one ambulance), in the hospital rubber bullet in his leg muscle he received the treatment and his ten minutes after the injury of the wound was dressed, it was found journalist, Nisreen, even though that there were 3 bullet fragments in he was close to the soldiers and his wound, which caused infection. at their sight. On 20 May 2018, he underwent a surgery at Al-Shifa Medical Complex, (15/5) On Tuesday, corresponding the wound was cleansed, and one of 15 May 2018, three journalists were the fragments was removed, while injured while they were covering the the other two fragments remained, return march demonstrations on the one of them lodged in the pelvis, occasion of the 70 anniversary of Al- while the other in the thigh, until 7 Nakba in the east of Khan Younes. June 2018, Timraz was still laying in According to the investigations bed, and he could not move except of MADA field researcher, the with a crutch, he suffered severe journalists listed below were injured pain. by the Israeli occupying forces: (15/5) Two photojournalists were 1. The photojournalist at Reuters, injured with bullets by the occupying Ibrahim Sulaiman Abdullah Abu soldiers while they were covering a Mostafa, (35 years old), who was demonstration at Huwara Barrier, injured with a gas bomb in his left at the entrance of Nablus City, on hand while he was covering the the occasion of the 70 anniversary Palestinian demonstrations on of Al-Nakba and to protest against 15 May 2018, which caused him the move of the American consulate burns. Abu Mostafa was injured from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem City. while he was shooting an Israeli According to the investigations drone throwing gas bombs on of MADA field researcher, a group the Palestinian demonstrators, in of journalists were dressed as the east of Khuza’a, Khan Younes,

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 69 2018 Details of violations

even though he was 350 meters of MADA field researcher, Bassam away from the separating fence, Masoud was injured on Friday, wearing a helmet and a shield corresponding 18 May 2018, with a marked “Press”. gas bomb that was directly shot at 2. The photographer at Quds his abdomen, which broke his phone, News Network, Omar Adel Abu while he was near “Jakar” street, in Khater, (26 years old), who was the east of Khan Younes, 350 meters injured with gas bomb in his away from the separating fence, even right leg while he was shooting though he was wearing a helmet and live through his cell phone to shield marked “Press”. the News Network he is working About 20 minutes later, and few with, he was 350 meters away meters away from the same site, from the separating fence, he (even though he was 350 meters was in his “Press” shield, he was away from the separating fence shooting some demonstrators where the Israeli soldiers were), while they were burning rubber Bassam Masoud was injured again tires in the area, and he was with a gas bomb in the ear, which treated in the Field Hospital, causes wounds and laceration (his which was established by the wound needed 12 stitches), he Ministry of Health. received the treatment at the Field 3. The photographer at APA Local Hospital of the Palestinian Red Agency, Ashraf Mohammad Crescent (established in that area), Nassar Abu Amra, (33 years old), he was later transferred to Al-Amal he was injured by a gas grenade Hospital of the Red Crescent in Khan in his hand (which hand…), which Younes, where he stayed for one caused him surface burns, while day, until 3 June 2018, he was still he was shooting a drone which suffering from the injury. was throwing gas bombs on (18-5) The freelance photojournalist, the demonstrators, even though Majdi Fathi Sulaiman (38 years old), he was in his “Press” shield and was shot with a bullet through his helmet. In the meantime, he right leg while he was covering the was about 350 meters away events of the return march, to the from the separating fence (next east of Gaza, on 18 May 2018, even to his colleague, Ibrahim Abu though he was far away from the Mostafa, who was also injured, as separating fence where the soldiers mentioned above). He received were, and he was in his press shield. field treatment from Palestinian According to the investigations of Red Crescent paramedics who MADA filed researcher, the freelance were in the area. photographer, Majdi Fathi Sulaiman (18/5) The videographer at Reuters, (who was working at BURPHOTO Bassam Mahmoud Masoud, (40 Italian agency), on 18 May 2018, went years old), who was injured twice with a number of journalists and while he was covering the return photographers to cover the return march events and the Palestinian march events in east Malka, to the demonstrations, in the east of east of Gaza City, and around 06:00 Khuza’a, Khan Younes. PM, noting that he was wearing According to the investigations his “Press” shield, and a muzzle to

70 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations protect himself from the tear-gas, he extended for a period of 15 days, but moved towards the demonstrators MADA’s advocate has presented, on who were 150-200 meters away Sunday corresponding 27 May 2018, from the separating fence, he was a request for release to Ramallah standing behind them 300 meters Magistrate Court judge. Al-Najjar away from the separating fence, release decision was issued on 30 when he moved towards them, he May 2018, on a bail of an amount was injured in the right leg with of 1000 JD in cash. The execution a live bullet fired by the soldiers of the decision was delayed (since deployed at the separating fence, the bail was not paid), until Sunday even though, at that moment, he was corresponding 3 May 2018, the far away from the demonstrators, day on which he was supposed the photojournalist Sulaiman to be released, he was re-arrested approached an ambulance and for a period of 15 days based on it took him to the Field Hospital. another (new) complaint, filed According to the paramedics, he was against him, this time, by the Chief shot with a bullet in his right leg, it of the Palestinian Broadcasting entered through one side and exited Corporation. As a result, MADA’s through the other. The journalist lawyer presented again a request Fathi was taken to Al-Shifa Medical for his release. The court decided to Complex after he received field first release him on Wednesday 6 June aid, in the hospital, he received the 2018 on bail of 100 JD. necessary treatment and stayed for (25/5) The photographer at the three hours, and then he was taken Turkish Anatolia Agency, Ali Hassan to home after the doctors were Mousa Jadallah, (28 years old), was determined that the bullet did not injured on Friday, corresponding reach the bones. 25 May 2018, with a gas bomb that (22/5) The Palestinian Public was shot straight to his chest which Prosecution has detained the caused him surface wounds even Programs Producer of Palestine TV, though he was in his shield. Hassan Al-Najjar, under the charge According to the investigations of of slandering employees, destroying MADA field researcher, the journalist the public authority’s instruments, Ali Hassan Mousa Jadallah, on Friday defamation and contempt of the afternoon, corresponding 25 May public authorities and bodies, on 2018, was in Malka to the east of Gaza, the basis of a complaint filed against 70 meters away from the separating him by the Palestinian Broadcasting fence where the Israeli soldiers were Corporation and one of the deployed, he went there to cover the investigation committee members. return march events in that area. The According to MADA’s advocate, first soldiers heavily shot a barrage of of all, Al-Najjar was arrested on 22 gas bombs and bullets against the May 2018, for 48 hours, and later an demonstrators, and he was injured investigative file was referred to him. with a gas bomb in his chest, it The Public Prosecution has sent a penetrated the shield he was wearing request for the extension of his arrest (he was wearing a shield and helmet to Ramallah Magistrate Court on 24 marked “Press”), which caused him May 2018. In the hearing (attended wounds in the spot of injury. He was by MADA’s advocate), his arrest was taken by an ambulance to Dar Al-

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 71 2018 Details of violations

Shifa Medical Hospital, to the west from the gas bombs”. After he was of Gaza City, where he underwent treated by the paramedics, he went examinations and medical images home but his condition remained which showed that the wound was poor for several days. He was still superficial and did not affect the suffering from difficulty in breathing, internal organs. The following day he suffocation, pain and burn in the went to Al-Quds Hospital to follow chest like the “pepper”. Two days up his state of health, and it was later, he went to the hospital for found that the wound was infected further examinations, but the doctors and needs therapeutic follow up. told him that his state of health was (25/5) The photographer for the due to heavy gas inhalation. They New York Times, Wissam Nassar, assured him that anyone exposed injured on Friday 25 May 2018 by gas to gas bombs will suffer the same bombs while he was covering the symptoms for several days. events of the peaceful return march (30/5) The Israeli occupying in Malka to the east Gaza. forces have arrested the freelance According to MADA field researcher, journalist, a media student at Hebron the photographer Wissam Nassar University, Musab Abdel Khalek went to Malka to cover the events of Qafisha, at dawn on Thursday 30 the return march at about 1:00 pm on May 2018 from his home in Hebron Friday 25 May 2018. He was wearing “for incitement on his Facebook the press (shield and helmet). When Page”. “The Israeli soldiers broke he arrived, he noticed the large into our house in Hebron at 2:30 number of demonstrators about 50 AM, at dawn on Thursday, after meters away from the separation they blew up the four doors of the fence. He joined the crowd to take house and searched the house, photos of the events; the Israeli without damaging or confiscating occupying soldiers fired a barrage anything, but they assaulted Musab’s of live bullets and gas bombs. Two brothers,” his father Khamis Qafisha hours later, the Israeli soldiers fired reported. live, explosive and rubber bullets “After about half an hour they and gas grenades at demonstrators, arrested Musab and took him to medical personnel and journalists. Etzion Center. From there, he was Then he tried to get away quickly, transferred to Ofer Prison. As we but his foot hit a gas bomb that fell learned later, the Prisoner Club’s next to him. He fell to the ground next lawyer told us that a trial session to several other gas bombs, smoke was held for Musaab in Ofer Prison was everywhere around him, the on 3 June 2018 and was postponed paramedic called Ali Housh “whom to next Wednesday, corresponding I already know, to help me after I felt 6 June 2018 and they accused him that I was about to faint, after seeing of incitement through his Facebook him running towards me, I was not page”. aware of what happened later and (30/5) The Israeli occupying forces did not feel what he did to me. I woke have arrested the Palestinian up after I fainted for 40 minutes Prisoners Director, and the reporter while I was asleep on my back inside at “You Free” and “In the mind” in an ambulance and the voices of Britain, Osama Hassan Shaheen, children surrounded me screaming

72 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

36 years old, after breaking into “you want resistance!, do you think his house in Dura, Hebron, and you’re in Gaza, you will rot in jail!”. transferring him to administrative Wahba Makiya remained arrested arrest. His wife, Shaima Halaiqa for four hours in the investigation reported to MADA “the Israeli room with no one of the occupation occupation forces broke into our forces, before he was released at house in Dura, Hebron, at around around 08:00 PM. 3:00 AM, at dawn on Thursday. June: They arrested Osama and took him to Ofer Prison where we received (1st June) The freelance journalist, a call from him the same day. He Haitham Adnan Madoukh (24 years stayed there until Sunday, 3 June old), working for Local Sky Press 2018 when his trail session was held Agency, was injured by a gunshot in Ofer. The judge told him that there while he was covering the events of was nothing against him and he was the peaceful Return March taking released. But the Shabak demanded place in the east of Gaza. his arrest, so his arrest was extended, According to the investigations of and on 4 June 2018 a trail in absentia MADA field researcher, while the was held for him and Osama was journalist, Haitham Adnan Madoukh sentenced to administrative prison (24 years old), who was working for 4 months”. as a freelance photographer in (31-5) The Israeli occupation addition to his job at Local Sky Press police assaulted the freelance Agency, was covering the events of photographer, Wahba Kamel Taher the peaceful return march in Malka, Makiya, (34 years old), by beating. to the east of Gaza, on Friday, They took him to the Police Center corresponding 1 June 2018, a group and arrested him for four hours. of demonstrators were able to cut part of the separating fence, an old According to investigations woman entered to the other side conducted by MADA field researcher, of the fence, raising in her hand the the photographer Wahba Makiya, Palestinian flag, accompanied with at around 4:00 PM, on Thursday two young men. At that moment, corresponding 31 May, 2018, was Madoukh approached the fence (but exposed to assault (he was pushed, remained within the Palestinian side) beaten, punched, and kicked) by the to take photos of the woman, and he Israeli police components, while he was shot by the Israeli Occupation was at the stairs of Al-Amoud Gate soldiers with a barrage of gas bombs. in Jerusalem shooting a show about When Madoukh put on the muzzle on the city under the Hashtag #Quds his mouth to avoid the gas, an Israeli Resistance, for the Fourth Dimension sniper shot him with a bullet which Media Production Corporation, injured his lower left knee (causing which he works with as a freelance an entry and exit). He was taken to photographer. Makiya was assaulted Dar Al-Shifa Hospital, and there it and searched in the site, then he was found that the bullet has caused was taken to the Police investigation him laceration in the lower knee center, at Salah Al-Deen Street, in bone, and has cut two veins. Three Jerusalem, where he was cursed and surgeries were performed to him, threatened to imprisonment by the and his leg was placed in plaster. The investigation officer who said to him

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 73 2018 Details of violations journalist stayed for four days in the the charge of stirring up sectarian hospital. After he was discharged, through Facebook. I was subject to he returned to the hospital five days another investigation session which later due to health complications. has lasted for half an hour to discuss He stayed in the hospital again for a the same subjects I was questioned whole week. His blood tests showed about in my previous investigation. that there was blood in his leg My arrest was extended for 24 hours. joint, which is why he had another On the following day, corresponding operation and his leg was placed in 5 June, I appeared before the court, plaster to heal the bone damaged and it decided to extend my arrest due to the bullet injury, provided he for another two days after denying followed up his situation later. the Public Prosecution’s request to (3rd June) The Palestinian Preventive extend my arrest for 15 days”. Security Service has arrested the “On Thursday, corresponding 7 June, reporter of Quds Net Network, I appeared before the court, and it Abdul Mohsen Al-Shalaldah, (25 decided to release me on bail of years old), two consecutive times. an amount of 2000 JD. After I left He was summoned and questioned, the building, and before even I got and he reported in this regard “on in the vehicle which was taking me 30 May, I received an official written back to the headquarters, the officer subpoena to go to the Preventive took me back to the court on the Security Service in Hebron on 3 June charge of another case filed against 2018. On the scheduled day, indeed I me on the subject of cybercrimes appeared at the Preventive Security law. A schedule of another hearing Council at 10:00 AM, on Sunday, was set out for me on 27 September, corresponding 3 June 2018. Upon my not to mention a request to change arrival, I was detained in a cell and the bail to a personal guarantee was informed that I was arrested. After also submitted to the court. I was that, I was taken to the investigation released at about 2:00 PM on the room and I was questioned about my same day, corresponding 7 June work in the field of media, my posts 2018” he added. on my Facebook page, and about “At around 1:30, on 27 June 2018, some of the reports I have once by the afternoon, four persons prepared on martyrs and prisoners. showed up to my house, located And then I was taken back to the cell. in Al-Shoyoukh Town, in Hebron. In the evening of the same day, and They told my mother that I leave following the Iftar, I informed them with them. I noticed an official that I was on a hunger strike. The letter they were holding, but could officer came and asked me about not read it. They informed me that the reason of my strike, and I replied it was a subpoena and asked me that because I did not know why I to leave with them immediately. I was arrested, and I did not know if told them that I visited the Service I would appear or not before the Headquarters on 3 June, and was court. He informed me that my trial arrested for 3 days. One of them told was scheduled on the following day, me to review the headquarters in the corresponding 4 June 2018. Indeed, time I deem appropriate. At 11:00 on the following day, I appeared PM, on Saturday, corresponding before Halhul Prosecution Office on 30 June, I went to the headquarter

74 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations in Hebron. I was questioned by the intelligence vehicle have arrived to officer, in general, about my work, their house located in Hebron, at the party I work with, the reason 4:00 AM. 10 soldiers have raided the why the security service arrested me house. They asked for Susan’s ID and the last time during Ramadan, and for her husband’s. They searched the reason I was arrested by Israel the husband and the officer spoke in February 2018. He also inquired to him alone. He told him that his about the threats I was subject to wife “makes troubles”. He asked through the Facebook and advised him about her activities, and the me to file a complaint. After that, I husband replied that Susan works in met the Director of the Preventive the Municipality only and does not Security Service, and he actually do anything else. The officer seized spoke very friendly with me about both of her phones (her cell phone the need for media professionals and her work phone), as well as to dedicate their work for media her laptop. Then he asked a female issues only without addressing soldier to search her. They asked her any other cases. I was released to say goodbye to her family and at about 12:00PM. Then I went to prepare herself to leave with them, the Investigation headquarters in and she was arrested. Following Hebron, filed an official complaint on this, the husband received a phone the threats I was subject to through call from an anonymous number. the Facebook”, he added. The caller introduced himself as (5 June) An Israeli occupation army an officer in the Israeli police. He force has arrested the journalist, informed him that Susan was in Susan Abdelkareem Al-Owaiwi, Ashkelom Prison, and he conveyed (40 years old), from her house, in her recommendation to take care of Hebron4. the children. The husband contacted Issa Qaraqe’ Office (the Minister of According to the statement made Detainees and Ex-Detainees) to by Susan Al-Owaiwi’s husband, follow up on her case. The advocate, Osama Mohammad Al-Owaiwi, (46 Firas Al-Sabagh, informed him that years old), to MADA field researcher, her court hearing was scheduled three soldiers carriers, and an Israeli on Thursday, corresponding 7 June 4 The journalist Susan Al-Owaiwi: a 2018, but was postponed to 18 June holder of Diploma in Journalism from Cairo University in 2011. She worked in 2018, and that the advocate was Al-Sabeel Jordanian Newspaper as a banned from visiting Susan until 10 journalist and writer, for a period of 5 June 2018. years. She suspended her work with Two years ago, Susan received the newspaper when she earned the position of a member in the Municipal a phone call from the Israeli Council of Hebron Municipality in intelligence, they asked her not to 2017. She is an activist in Palestine run for Hebron Municipality. This was Prisoners Center for Studies, and she followed by summoning her husband always gave special attention to the to Ashkelon to ask him to prevent refugees and prisoners affairs. She is a holder of Bachelor Degree in his wife (Susan) from running for Business Administration, and Masters the Municipality elections which in Human Development. She is a were to be held in that period but mother of three children the oldest were postponed to 2017. She was is 17 years old and the youngest is 11 appointed as a municipal council years old.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 75 2018 Details of violations member in Hebron Municipality. (6 June) The Preventive Security (5 June) The Occupation Police has Service has summoned the arrested the Director of Elia, the journalists, Amer Abdelhakeem Abu journalist, Ahmad Hussein Al-Safadi Arafa, the reporter of Shihab Agency (44 years old), from his house, and Orouba Media Network, Musab located in Al-Sadiya Block, in the Abdelsamad Al-Tamimi, the reporter Old City of Jerusalem. An Israeli of “Quds News” Network, and Amjad court has decided to ban him from Shawer, the Director of Hebron taking part in any event (or covering Radio. Abu Amer reported to MADA any event) and to banish him from “I received a subpoena at my house Al-Aqsa for one month. Al-Safadi on 27 May to go to the Preventive reported to MADA “I was arrested at Security Service in Hebron. When I 2:30AM, on Tuesday, corresponding went there, the interview was more 5 June 2018, from my house, located like an update of my personal data in Al-Sadiya Block, in the Old City only. I was asked normal questions of Jerusalem. I was taken to the without addressing my work as a Mail Police Center, and then to the journalist, and the interview lasted Maskobiyeh Investigation Center, for one hour approximately. On 6 where the investigation lasted until June, I received another subpoena 6:00AM. The questions addressed to and so two of my colleagues: Musab me were about Elia and its nature of Abdelsamad Shawer Al-Tamimi (27 work, its Director, and the reason of years old), an editor and reporter its closure. The officer also asked me of Quds News Network, and Amjad about what was going to happen in Shawer, the Director of Hebron the Naksa Anniversary and my role Radio. We were summoned to go in this regard”. to the Preventive Security Service in Ramallah, at 10:00AM, on 11 June. I Al-Safadi added “I was referred to did not go noting that the Journalists’ the court on charges of complicity Syndicate was aware of this to contribute to the success of subpoena, and has likely reached an the Naksa events. The Public understanding with the Preventive Prosecution requested an extension Security Service. As I learned from of my detention for six days, but the the Journalists’ Syndicate, the reason lawyer rejected due to the lack of for the subpoena was posting about evidences and the false accusations the death of President Abu Mazen in filed against me given the fact that the previous period, although they I am a journalist and I have no role apologized for this, knowing that in the Naksa anniversary. The judge I, Amer Abu Arafah, did not post was convinced, and she released me anything about this subject”. on prohibitive conditions: paying a bail of 1500 NIS and a bail of 5000 (8 June) The photographer of Barq (on paper), and being banished from News Agency, Shireen Mousa Anees the Al-Aqsa until 4 July, as well as Saloul (29 years old), from the prohibiting me from taking part Nuseirat refugee camp, was injured in any sit-in or demonstration or with a tear gas bomb while she was march”. covering the peaceful return march taking place in the east of Bureij refugee camp in Gaza Strip.

76 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

According to the investigations conducted by MADA field researcher, Shireen, at around 2:30 PM, on Friday, corresponding 8 June 2018, went to the east of Bureij camp in the center of the Gaza Strip, accompanied by a group of journalists to cover the events of the peaceful return march, and there were demonstrators located 150-200 meters from the separating fence. The journalists were (8 June) Palestine Today TV staff at a distance of 50-100 meters away has suffered suffocation due to from the demonstrators to cover the the 10 bombs fired against them march. About an hour later, after by a small Israeli drone, on Friday, the journalist Shireen Saloul took corresponding 8 June 2018. They pictures of five demonstrators who were interviewing in Abu Safiya, to were wounded, and at about 3:30, the east of Jabalia Camp, in Gaza the Israeli soldiers on the other side Strip, even though they were far of the fence fired several tear gas away from the demonstrators. bombs against the journalist Saloul, which made her suffer suffocation According to the investigations and loss of consciousness for about conducted by MADA field researcher, a quarter of an hour. The paramedics the staff, composed of: the reporter, have taken her to the medical point Yousef Ahmad Abu Kuwaik, the in the location, when they saw her assistant reporter, Mohammad situation did not get better half an Tawfiq Al-Najjar, the photographers, hour later, they took her to Al-Aqsa Osama Yasser Saleh, and Imad Al- Martyrs Hospital, in Deir Al-Balah, Ajrami. They were interviewing in the center of Gaza Strip. She an official from the Islamic Jihad received the necessary treatment, Movement Office, Mr. Daoud Shihab, and another injury was found in her at a distance of 500 meters away foot caused by a gas bomb which from the border fence, in an area resulted in wounds, burns and free from any clashes. A small Israeli swelling. While she was waiting for drone has fired around 10 gas bombs the X-ray, she lost consciousness for directly above them, which made about half an hour again. She stayed them suffer severe suffocation. The in the hospital for about three hours interview was suspended and the and returned home at about 7:00 journalist walked away from the PM, but she continued to suffer location. It should be noted that the from severe shortness in breathing staff were wearing the Press shield and headaches during the following and helmet. After their injuries, they two days. She also suffered severe received the first aid by the medical itching, which left her unable to staff. return to work for two days. (8 June) The photographer of AFP, Photojournalist Shirin Sloul lying on the Mohammad Abdelrazeq Abdullah ground after being hit by a gas bomb in Albaba (49 years old) was injured the foot east of al-Bureij refugee camp with a gunshot in his foot while in the Gaza Strip covering the events of the peaceful

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 77 2018 Details of violations return march taking place in Abu reporter of Quds Media Agency, and Safiya, to the east of Jabalia camp. Women for Palestine Newspaper, According to the investigations has suffered suffocation. of MADA field researcher, the According to the investigations photographer, Albaba, at around conducted by MADA field researcher, 11:30AM, on Friday, corresponding the journalist, Israa Sameer Abdullah 8 June 2018, was heading from his Al-Areir, arrived at around 4:30PM, house in Abu Safiya, to the east of on Friday 8 June 2018, to Malka, Jabalia camp to cover the events located to the east of Gaza Strip, to of the return marches. He was cover a photo exhibition that was carrying with him the equipment held in the area on the subject of and wearing the Press shield and Jerusalem and Naksa, and to film a helmet. He stayed in the journalists’ media story with the demonstrator, tent waiting for Friday prayer to end Reda Abu Zuhair, who is participating and the marches to begin. After the almost permanently in the marches, prayer ended about a quarter of an as well as to cover the latest march hour, the clashes erupted between of return that day. The Israeli border the demonstrators and the Israeli guards forces have fired a barrage occupation soldiers, who started of gas bombs randomly at the firing gunshots and gas bombs demonstrators and journalists. As sporadically at the demonstrators. a result, she suffered suffocation, Albaba was about 200 meters away shortness in breath, dizziness, and from the separating fence near the back pain. She was taken by the medical staffs, watching the events. ambulance to the field hospital, Few minutes later, a demonstrator which was the nearest. She received was injured at a distance of 60 meters the medical aid to mitigate the side away from the separating fence, the effects of gas, but with no use, paramedics went to take him, and therefore, she was taken to Al-Quds Albaba went with them for filming Hospital and arrived at 5:30. She was (the time was around 2:00PM). In given the necessary treatment, and the meantime, the soldiers fired even though her condition became more gas bombs and gunshots better, the symptoms were inevitable directly against the demonstrators. which has rightly prompted doctors Albaba was injured with gunshot in to keep her under observation for his right foot, and five other persons two days. were injured as well. He was taken (9 June) The Israeli Police has raided to the filed hospital, and from there an Iftar ceremony organized by to Al-Awda Hospital, to the north of the Chamber of Commerce for the Gaza Strip. The doctors informed journalists, taking place in Jerusalem. him that he was injured with wounds The Director of Elia, Ahmad Hussein and fractures in his right foot caused Al-Safadi, (44 years old), has by live bullets. He had to undergo reported to MADA Center “The a surgery (he is still there … follow Chamber of Commerce in Jerusalem up. How long has he stayed in the has organized an Iftar ceremony hospital, were there additional for journalists on June 9, 2018 at details on his condition). Jerusalem Hotel. Fifty female/male (8 June) The journalist, Israa Sameer journalists were invited, 30 of which Abdullah Al-Areir, (27 years old), a have actually attended, including

78 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

(Ahmad Al-Safadi , Wehbe Makiya, (12 June) the Palestinian Preventive Christine Renawi, Mohammed Abed Security Service has arrested Rabbo and others). 15 minutes after the journalist of TRT Turkish TV, we arrived the hotel, an Israeli police Majdoleen Reda Hassouna, (28 force raided the place and prevented years old), at Karama Crossing, us from entering”. on her way back from Turkey. She (11 June) An Israeli Occupation Army was questioned about the case of Force has arrested the freelance arrival tracing order filed against her. journalist, Bilal Hamed Al-Taweel, (26 Hassouna reported to MADA “upon years old), after raiding his house, my arrival to Palestine, through the located in Hebron, noting that he bridge (Karama crossing), at around was a member in Al-Anwar Arts 6:00AM, on 12 June 2018, on my way Band for Islamic Chants and works back from Turkey, the Preventive in the montage of the band. Security Service Officer informed me that there is an arrival tracing order According to the investigations against me which means I have to be conducted by MADA field researcher, arrested as soon as I arrive. He took an Israeli occupation army force, at me to the office, and informed me 5:00AM, on Monday, corresponding that I need to go to the Operations 11 June 2018, has raided the house Director at the Preventive Security of the journalist, Bilal Al-Tawil. Service in Betunia/Ramallah”. According to the statement of Bilal’s brother, Mohammad Hamed “The officer tried to contact the Al-Tawil, about twenty soldiers Preventive Security Service in have raided the house. The officer Betunia, but it was too early. In the stood at the front door and told the meantime, he started asking me family that they do not intend to questions like: what do I do for living, search the house. He grabbed Bilal’s where do I write, where do I publish phone from his hand and informed my writings, what is my political him that they came to arrest him. belonging, and what investigation I They did not allow him to change was subject to by the Israelis in 2014. clothes in his room, and he had to The officer insisted to transfer me change in front of all the soldiers to the Preventive Security Service then they dragged him to the jeep. in Betunia immediately. But after Following that, Mohammad (Bilal’s he contacted one of Ramallah brother) has contacted the Head officers and told him that I was of the Prisoners Club in Hebron, Mr. very quit, he decided to release me Amjad Al-Najjar, and the Complaints provided that I go to the Preventive Office in Jerusalem, to find out any Security Service in Betunia (without information about his brother. The scheduling an appointment) so I can advocate Monther Abu Ahmad was remove the tracing order against appointed by the Prisoners Club to me. I was released at 8:30 AM. follow his case. A court hearing was (13 June) Palestinian security agents scheduled for Bilal on 14 June 2018, in civilian clothes have attacked but it was postponed to 20 June no less than 12 female and male 2018, without characterization of the journalists and prevented them from charge. On the same night, Bilal was covering a protest sit-in, that was arrested. taking place in Ramallah, against the sanctions impose on Gaza and

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 79 2018 Details of violations to demand the payment of the them the press card issued by the employees’ salaries. These attacks Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, have affected dozens of citizens they attacked her and she fell to in the protest even though the the ground, not to mention that Palestinian police officers were there. they tried to seize her phone. According to the investigations 2. The Head of Al-Arabi Al-Jaded conducted by MADA field researcher, Newspaper Office in the West the activists and civil society Bank, the journalist, Naela Husni organizations have called for a sit- Khaleel, (40 years old), was in, downtown Ramallah, in 13 June covering the sit-in taking place 2018, by the afternoon, to protest downtown Ramallah, standing against suspending the salaries near Rukab Ice Cream, and of employees in Gaza Strip by the she was attacked by dozens Palestinian Authority. However, one of young people who were in day before the sit-in, WAFA News “civilian clothes and wearing Agency has reported news about hats of Fatah movement, they the circular issued by the Palestinian started beating and pushing us President to all the governorates for even though I have not used the “prohibiting the issuance of permits phone for filming”. to launch marches or gatherings One of the security agents has hit her which may hinder and confuse the with his hand on her shoulder which movement of citizens, or impact caused her bruises and trauma. the progress of normal life during “The attackers were attacking us holidays”. with sticks or their own hands. I At 9:00PM, on 13 June, hundreds spoke with the security man in the of Palestinian young people civilian clothes and said that it is not have gathered to demonstrate in appropriate to attack women. Next downtown Ramallah. Journalists thing I know, he started spraying were there to cover the event, but pepper gas at my face without any were beaten and prevented from reason. I fell to the ground, but filming. Their cameras and phones then I was able to walk away from were seized by the police, the the location with the assistance of Preventive Security, and the General others. I went to the hospital, and Intelligence Service, who were in after my condition got better, I civilian clothes. These attacks have went to inquire about some friends. affected at least 12 female and male Suddenly, the Palestinian Security journalists. These attacks were as agents in civilian clothes broke into follows: the hospital, perhaps to arrest some 1. 10 of the Palestinian security of the injured demonstrators, at agents, in civilian clothes have 12:00PM, on 14 June 2018”. blindfolded the journalist, Hiba 3. The journalist, Jihan Hassan Hassan Erekat, (31 years old), who Awad, (35 years old), while she works for News Shasha Website, was covering the events with while she was live shooting with her cell phone, in Rukab Street, her phone. They handcuffed her downtown Ramallah, one of the even though she told them that security men in civilian clothes she was a journalist and showed pushed her, and then more

80 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

than one security agent have events at all. Few minutes later, intervened (all in civilian clothes) we went to cover the suppress and seized her phone. They taking place in Rukab Street asked her to unlock the phone (near Al-Manara Square), the and delete the photos. One of next this I know, a number of them held her Press card, read security agents holding walkie- her name, and addressed her talkies started pushing me and saying “Jihan, do not film troubles taking down my camera, which and publish our dirty deeds”, is why I was unable to film and she replied, “who are you?”, and I had to return without finishing he answered “an officer in the my job”. Preventive Security Service”. 6. The reporter and photographer of When she refused to stop filming “Palestine Today”, the journalist, the events, he threatened her Jihad Barakat, has reported “I with arrest. was carrying my camera, next to 4. Arabi TV photographer, the Al-Manara Square, and holding journalist, Ethar Abu Gharbieh, my Press card around my neck. I (33 years old), has reported went to Rukab street, and around that security agents in civilian 9:00PM, the demonstrators clothes have pushed, cursed and gathered 10-15 meters away insulted him, and then seized the from me started shouting and TV camera and prevented him cheering. We started filming, from continuing his coverage directly after that, the security of the events even two hours agents have fired sound bombs. after recovering the camera. The Two persons in civilian clothes same happened to his colleague, approached us, while I was Yara Al-Amla, Arabi TV reporter, standing with my colleague, who stated that she was insulted Saed Howari, a photographer of while she was covering the sit- Reuters, and threatened us with in, downtown Ramallah, by one seizing and smashing the camera. of the security agents who was I continued walking towards holding a transmitter/Walkie- Rukab street, and tried to film Talkie, and addressed her saying again, however, I was threatened “go to your home instead of again by agents in civilian roaming in the street”. clothes. After that, I returned 5. Al-Ghad TV photographer, and approached Al-Manara Mohammad Al-Khateeb, (34 square, and there was a group years old), has reported that of persons (dozens) shouting when he arrived to Al-Manara for the Palestinian President, Square, downtown Ramallah, Mahmoud Abbas, and putting on at 9:00 PM, on 13 June 2018, their heads white hats the same the police officers who were in as the Palestinian keffiyeh. I tried their usual uniform (including to film that, but more several an officer ranked with three persons have put their hands on stars and another one ranked as the camera and prevented me a major), asked the journalists from filimg. I directly went to to walk away from Al-Manara the Martyr Yasser Arafat square Square and not to film any of the (Al-Sa’aa Square previously),

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 81 2018 Details of violations

and it was around 11:00PM, to (18 June) The Israeli police and interview Mr. Omar Assaf, one of intelligence have arrested the the demonstrators in the sit-in. 59-year-old journalist, Rasem The next thing I notice, an officer Obeidat from a ceremony held at from the special police has asked the Ambassador Hotel in Jerusalem me not to interview, and another on the occasion of the National Day masked military officer from of the Russian Federation, under the the special police have warned auspices of the Russian Federation me “Jihad Barakat, be careful!”. Embassy and in the presence of the I could not finish my job, I was High Representative of the Russian prevented to complete it, in the Federation to the Palestinian full view of the police and the Authority Dr. Haider Aganin. National Security Forces”. The police raided the ceremony, 7. Al-Quds TV reporter, Alaa prevented its continuation and Hassan Al-Rimawi, (40 years arrested six Jerusalemites, one of old) has indicated that he was them was the journalist and writer, threatened by agents in civilian Rasim Obeidat. The police hanged clothes. While he was at Al- the decision issued to prevent the Manara square, and Rukab street, continuation of the ceremony on the at 9:35 PM, on 13 June 2018, a grounds that it is under the auspices police officer asked him not to of the Palestinian Authority and film. “a police officer approached “terrorist organizations”. us, and addressed us saying / According to the investigations walk away now!/after that, and conducted by MADA field researcher, while suppressing the march on the evening of 18 June 2018, taking place in Rukab street, we the Israeli occupation police and were pushed and threatened intelligence arrested the journalist and with arrest by agents in civilian writer, Rasim Imad Ahmed Obeidat, clothes” he reported. (59 years old), a founding member 8. The photographers, Saed of the Journalists Syndicate, while Subhey Howari (42 years old), attending the national day ceremony a videographer of Thomson of the Russian Federation at the Reuters, Qutaiba mohammad Ambassador Hotel in Jerusalem, on Hammad, (26 years old), Al- the charge of “attending an illegal Quds TV photographer, Abbas ceremony organized for the interest Al-Momani, a photographer of a “terrorist organization”. He was of AFP in the West Bank, held in detention and questioned and Mohammad Ali Turkman, for like an hour. The he was released (50 years), a photographer at 6:00 PM, on a bail of 3000 NIS, of Thomson Reuters in the provided he shall return at 10:00 on West Bank, were prevented the following morning, 19 June 2018, and banned from filming and to the Maskobiyeh Investigation covering the events, not to Center to sign the investigation. His mentioned they were threatened fingerprints, along with the other six with smashing their camera, by detainees, were taken at 10:00AM, security agents in Rukab Street, and then he was released. He was downtown Ramallah. again contacted by the occupation forces, on Wednesday afternoon,

82 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations corresponding 20 June 2018, to covering a peaceful sit-in planned for come to the Investigation room No. by the Ministry of Detainees and Ex- 4. After this phone call, he was also Detainees, in cooperation with the contacted by the Israeli investigator Prisoners Committee for National “Taimour” to cancel the scheduled and Islamic Forces. The sit-in took appointment on Wednesday, and to place at Al-Saraya Square, in Gaza come on Thursday, corresponding 21 Strip, at around 11:00AM, on Monday, June 2018, at 10:00 AM. After he left corresponding 18 June 2018. It was the house, and after the phone calls titled (The peaceful movement to with the occupation intelligence, on end division, lift the sanctions and Wednesday afternoon, an occupation recover the rights of the employees). force went to his house where he They seized and destroyed some of was not staying and handed over the equipment of these journalists, his brother, Maslama, an immediate deleted the materials they had subpoena. Rasim Obeidat was also filmed, and prevented them from contacted at 5:20 and asked to covering. They also attacked the immediately come in a maximum demonstrators in the sit-in and of twenty minutes, he actually went destroyed the stage which was built there. Since the moment of his for the sit-in. arrival, the intelligence service (in According to the investigations the presence of three of its agents) conducted by MADA field researcher, has begun the investigation and and although the Ministry of Interior questioning him about the same in Gaza has allowed the Ministry previous charge. The investigation of Detainees and Ex-Detainees to lasted about two hours (from 6:00 organize a sit-in at Al-Saraya Square to 8:00). Obeidat has denied the in Gaza, but once the sit-in began, accusations and claims against him, with the participation of hundreds and he was arrested until the court of citizens, a group of young people, hearing on Thursday, corresponding some of whom came out of the 21 June 2018. The intelligence has mosque near the sit-in, wearing requested to extend his arrest, and the keffiyeh and white hats, have remained in detention until Monday, raised signs and shouted slogans corresponding 25 June 2018. He was non-agreed upon according to the released on limited conditions: a bail organizers of the event. For example, of an amount of 1500 NIS to be paid they were shouting /the people in cash, in addition to a non-paid bail wants the fall of the President from of an amount of 5,000 NIS, and to be power/ (President Mahmoud Abbas). house imprisoned until July 1, and not They were also shouting “Get lost to participate in events and activities Abbas”. Which is why the organizers in various political, national, social of the event have requested to unite and economic titles for one month, the slogans, however, the group and not to communicate with any of of young people refused, which the relevant parties on this case for a caused a verbal altercation between period of 40 days. them, which soon aggravated (18 June) Some persons deemed to attack with sticks and hands loyal to Hamas, along with security against the demonstrators in the agents (in civilian clothes) have sit-in and the journalists who were attacked at least 10 journalists while covering the event. It was later

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 83 2018 Details of violations found that security agents in civilian black clothes, has approached her clothes were deployed among the and asked her to delete the photos. demonstrators. The members of the He also asked her colleague, Shireen, “intruders” group broke into the sit- “to take out her phone from her in, destroyed the stage and attacked burse and delete the photos”. He the demonstrators. They pursued the introduced himself as an officer from journalists and all those who filmed the General Investigation without the events, attacked some of them showing any card to prove so”. As and deleted the photos and videos to “Al-Hadath” Newspaper reporter, they had taken in their cameras, Muthana Sulaiman Ibrahim Al- prompting the organizers of the sit- Najjar, he reported that while taking in to cancel it. pictures with his phone to a group These persons have forced journalists, of bearded people putting on hats, including, Shireen Khalifeh, Nahed while shouting and holding up signs Abu Herbid and Muthana Al-Najjar in the sit-in demanding to lift the to delete the photos and videos they sanctions imposed on Gaza, not to have filmed on their mobile phones. mention that they were also shouting and cheering against the President The journalist, Shireen Hamed Mahmoud Abbas, oe persons of the Khalifeh, who works at Nawa Media group grabbed Muthan’s phone from Network, has reported to MADA field his hand and prevented him from researcher that she went with her filming. However, the leader of the colleague, the journalist, Nahed Abu Democratic Front, Talal Abu Zarifa, Herbid, to cover this sit-in. When who was near Al-Najjar, immediately they arrived, they took some photos intervened, and was able, after with their cell phones, after the about five minutes, to return the attacks, and after destroying the sit- phone back to him. However, all the in stage by agents in civilian clothes, photos he took were deleted, and a person also in civilian clothes has the events came to an end. One of approached her, and introduced the persons who prevented him himself as an agent from the General from filming approached Al-Najjar Investigation, but did not show any and introduced himself as an officer card to prove so. He asked the three from the Public Relations of Hamas persons standing behind her to go Movement Office, and he apologized further back, and asked Abu Herbid for what has happened to him and to delete the photos and videos on informed him that they did know her phone, when she told him that that he was the journalist, Muthana there are 4 personal photos only on Al-Najjar. her phone, another one replied “no problem, we have female agents After the events ended, the who can search your phone”. He journalists Khalifeh and Abu added “Only if you can film anything Harbid were subjected to a smear in the West Bank, you can then film in campaign through the social media. Gaza”. The journalist, Nahed Khaleel They were accused of lying and Abu Harbid, a reporter at “218 treason after Khalifeh posted on Media”, has reported that she was her Facebook page the attacks she close to the sit-in stage, and after and her colleague Abu Harbid were she documented the stage being subjected to at the sit-in. destroyed, a huge, bearded man, in The reporter of “Watan” TV, the

84 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations journalist Izz Al-Din Abu Eisha, has camera and the cell phone, by force, reported that he was prevented from under the pretext that a decision has covering the event and deleted the been issued to prevent filming and material he filmed after arriving at Al- documenting the event. This caused Saraya Square around 11:30 to cover a verbal altercation among them, the sit-in. While he was preparing especially that they were in civilian the camera to film the event and to clothes. It subsequently became interview some of the demonstrators a fight involving great number of in the sit-in, and while he was talking security service agents in civilian on his phone with the Administration clothes, who appeared after the of Watan News Agency where withdrawal of the three persons he worked, three men in civilian mentioned above. They severely clothes attacked him and grabbed attacked Diaa, and his colleagues the phone and the camera out of from the Team as they were trying his hands even though he has not to save him. They were all wearing filmed anything yet at that moment. the Press uniform with the name of They went in another direction, he the party they were working with followed them trying to know them shown. He managed to save himself, or the authority they work under, and found a large group of security but they asked him to remain silent. men in civilian clothes attacking his In the meantime, he saw Tawfiq Abu colleague, Mohammad Salem. He Naim, the Director General of the approached them and tried to save Internal Security Forces in Gaza, him, they both hardly walked away. and he directly went to him and This is actually similar to the attack explained the attack he was subject against the Director of Al-Taqadomi to in details. After that, Mr. Tawfiq Mdia Team, Mr. Mohammad Al- Abu Naim, called them and asked Shirafi. He reported that the moment them to hand him over what they he arrived at Al-Saraya Square, with took from Abu Eisha. Indeed, they his other colleagues in the Team, responded to Tawfiq and handed and while he was trying to adjust over the phone and camera. He then the settings of the internet, a group interviewed Abu Naim to explain the of young men in civilian clothes attacks against the journalists and approached him and introduced the demonstrators to destroy the themselves as security men. They sit-in and left the location. asked him and his colleagues to The reporter of Al-Taqadomi Media hand over their own phones and Team, Diaa Maliha, has reported the camera he was carrying which that upon arriving at Al-Saraya belong to the Team, and after they Square, at around 11:45, along refused to do so, they attacked them, with his colleagues, Mohammad and tried forcibly to withdraw their Al-Shirafi, Ammar Kiskeen, and phones and camera. During that, the Mohammad Salem, to cover the phone screen crashed after it fell on sit-in, and before filming anything the ground as well as the camera’s or interviewing anyone, three tripod. In the meantime, a number of individuals have approached and persons in civilian clothes gathered introduced themselves as agents and participated in the attack from the Internal Security in Gaza. against the journalist, during which They took the equipment, the he was seen by one of his relatives

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 85 2018 Details of violations working with the security services, At around 5:45, he was injured with he approached him and asked them a bullet in the palm of his right hand, to move away from him, and saved fired at him by one of the Israeli him by force. soldiers. The bullet exited his hand These attacks have also affected the and injured another demonstrator photographer, Rashad Al-Amassi in the leg. The field first aid was and Waseem Meqdad, who work provided to the photojournalist, for Khabar Agency. The agency’s Jadallah, and he was taken to the camera was destroyed about half medical point in the location. The an hour upon their arrival, a group doctor stitched his wound, and then of young men dressed in civilian he was taken by the ambulance to clothes, who were shouting and Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, where cheering against the President he was informed that his condition Mahmoud Abbas, approached them was reassuring. He stayed in the and requested that Al-Amassi and hospital until 8:30 PM, and was Meqdad remove the memory chip then discharge. He continued to feel from the camera and leave the area. pain, so on the following morning, However, they refused to do, so the Saturday, corresponding 23 June camera was withdrawn from them 2018, he went to Al-Quds Hospital, by force, which is why it crashed, in Gaza, for follow up purposes, not to mention they were severely and it was found that his wound attacked. was stitched incorrectly, and that it needed five stitches not one only, (22 June) the photographer of not to mention that it was supposed Anatolia Turkish Ahency, Ali Hassan to be stitched with a thin threat Mousa Jadallah, (28 years old), was rather than thick. He received the injured with a gunshot through the necessary treatment, went back palm of his right hand while he was home, provided he continues his covering the peaceful return march treatment. Until the moment, he taking place in the east of Khan needs to undergo a cosmetic surgery Younes, on Friday, corresponding 22 for the deformity caused to his palm June 2018. due to the injury”. According to the investigations (22 June) the journalist, Ahmad conducted by MADA field Mohammad Ahmad Al-Fayoumi, a researcher, the photojournalist at reporter at 24 News Website and Al- Anatolia Turkish Agency, Ali Hassan Ghad website, has suffered severe Mousa Jadallah, (22 June 2018), suffocation while covering the went to Malka border area, located events of the return march, taking to the east of Gaza, and at around place in Malka, to the east of Gaza, 4:00, along with his colleague, Saber on Friday, corresponding 22 June Noor Al-Deen, the photographer at 2018. He received the first aid in the the European Agency, approached field. the separating fence on the other side of which Israeli soldiers were Al-Fayoumi has reported to MADA deployed. He was wearing the Press “while I was at Malka, near the border shield and helmet, he stopped at a fence, at around 6:00 PM, on Friday, distance of 150 meters away from the corresponding 22 June 2018, I tried demonstrators to take some photos. to film the scene of young men who were attempting to cut the border

86 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations fence, (it should be noted that I a “closed military zone”, where no was in my Press uniform), the Israeli one was allowed to enter without occupation soldiers have fired a large showing an official document that amount of tear gas bombs, the next authorizes so. He showed them a thing I know, I fainted because of the photo on his phone claiming that gas, the medical staff intervened and it was the “military order”. Few I received the field treatment”. minutes later, he arrested one of (23 June) The occupation soldiers the protesters and threatened to have arrested a photographer arrest more if they do not comply at WAFA news Agency, named with the order. The same officer Mashhour Hassan Mahmoud began pursuing and threatening the Wahwah, (34 years old), and a journalists with arrest when they reporter at Palestine TV, Azmi filmed the young man he arrested Waleed Banat, (28 years old). They earlier. He addressed more than threatened a number of journalists one journalist shouting, “If you with arrest and prevented them will not leave, I will arrest you” and from covering a protest sit-in against “if you film with the camera, I will settlement, organized by Bani Naim, arrest you”. These threats were also in the east of Hebron. addressed to: AFP photographer, Hazem Jameel Bader, Reuter According to the investigations photographer, Yusri Mahmoud conducted by MADA field researcher, Al-Gamal, the European Agency Bani Naim Town families, at around photographer, Abdelhafeeth Al- 11:00AM, on Saturday, corresponding Hashlamoun, Reuters photographer, 23 June 2018, have organized a working at the photography section, protest sit-in against the confiscation Mousa Issa Al-Qawasmy, Action of the town lands for settlement Press Agency photographer, Wisam purposes. Dozens of families went Abdelhafeeth Al-Hashlamoun, to the land above which the settlers Anatolia photographer, Mamoun have put a tent, inside of which, Ismail Wazwaz, Palestine TV staff, there were about seven settlers, in including Alaa Al-Haddad, and Azmi addition to the Israeli military jeep to Banat, and WAFA News Agency guard them. Within a quarter of an photographer, Mashhour Wahwah. hour, another military jeep arrived, an In the meantime, the soldiers began officer in the official Israeli uniform arresting a number of protesters, stepped out of the jeep, and ordered and the journalists continued filming all the protesters to leave the area carefully while walking away for claiming that it is a “closed military fear of being arrested. The higher area”. They refused to respond, and officer arrested the photographer told the officer to get an official of WAFA, Mashhour Hassan document which proves that it is a Mahmoud Wahwah (34 years old), closed military area. In the meantime, and Palestine TV reporter, Azmi a third military patrol arrived, from Waleed Banat (28 years old). They which a higher officer stepped out, were taken to the military jeep, even and he seemed to be in charge, and though Azmi Banat was not carrying ordered everyone (addressing them any cameras and he only carried the in Hebrew language), including TV Microphone in his hand when the journalists, to leave the area he was arrested. It was found later immediately, claiming that it was

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 87 2018 Details of violations

(as reported by Mashhour Wahwah Orouba Media Network, both from to MADA researcher), that the Hebron, to review the Preventive soldiers have taken them, along Security Service headquarters in with other protesters, to the Israeli Ramallah. Musab Shawer Tamimi police center, located in Kiryat Arba reported to MADA “on 25 June settlement, to the east of Hebron. 2018, at 10:15AM, I received a phone Only the photojournalist, Mashour call from the Preventive Security in Wahwah, was questioned, and Ramallah requiring my attendance charged with “disobeying the Israeli to the headquarters. On the army orders”, but he informed them following day, corresponding 26 that he does not know Hebrew, and June 2018, at around 10:15AM, I went could not understood what the to the headquarters in Ramallah. officer said. The police has released After I introduced myself, the officer them (Wahwah and Banat), five began asking me questions like: hours after their arrest and detention what do I do for living, where do I at the police station. The police work as a journalist, how do I receive investigator has informed Wahwah and verify the information. I was that they will review his case and charged with incitement through see whether they could close his the Facebook, for posting mockery file or open a file for him. Before he posts about the health situation of was released, he signed on papers in the President. I denied the charge Hebrew and was told that they were and asked to be confronted with his statement. His fingerprints were an evidence. However, given the also taken. As for journalist, Azmi lack of evidence, the officer started Waleed Banat, he said he did not bringing up some old writings I know why he was arrested since he have posted once to protest against did not film anything, especially since the blocking of some websites. He the soldiers deliberately insulted him accused me of incitement against and asked him to sit on the ground. the Authority. He told me explicitly The soldier who threatened him with that I had the freedom to write, but abusive words, was the same soldier without causing incitement against who accompanied them to the police the Authority, or causing harm to the station and continued insulting him. citizens or the community security. The officer deliberately insulted and I signed a pledge not to incite as it arrested the journalists violently so is considered a breach according he prevents them from returning to the Cybercrimes Law, otherwise back to the area for fear of covering I will be held accountable. I left the protests for the next few days. He office at 12:30 PM.” used this kind of arrest and threat, Amer Abu Arafa has reported “I believing that this would prevent went to the Preventive Security journalists from coming back again. Service headquarters in Ramallah, at (25 June) The Preventive Security around 10:30AM, on 26 June 2018. Service has summoned the My interview there lasted for half journalists, Musab Abdelsamad an hour approximately. It was just Shawer Tamimi, (27 years old), a a directive meeting, in which the reporter at Quds News Network, and officer has emphasized the need that Amer Abdelhakeem Abu Arafa, a we all have to take one stand before reporter at Shihab News Agency, and the deal of the century! And that I

88 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations have to stay away from any protest severe suffocation during her or march taking place these days as coverage of the peaceful return they are considered foreign agenda. march taking place in Khuza’a, to the I was also asked about my media east of Khan Younis, in Gaza Strip. work and the funding mechanism in According to the investigation my work. I signed a pledge to adhere conducted by MADA field researcher, to the amended cybercrimes law, The photographer and journalist and left the location”. at Palestine Hadath Network, and (26 June) Palestine Post5 TV Al-Awda Media Network, Madeline reporter, Nisreen Abdelkareem Al- Issam Abdel-Aqraa (20 years Shami (28 years old), was injured old), from Deir Al-Balah, around with a rubber bullet in the thigh while 2:00PM, on Friday, corresponding she was covering clashes which have 29 June 2018, went to the east erupted after the army and settlers of Khuza’a. she was wearing the have broken into the eastern area of Press shield, and carrying a Nikon Nablus. Al-Shami reported to MADA camera. Around 4:00PM, she “at around 10:30 AM, on 26 June approached the separating fence 2018, the Israeli occupation forces by a distance of 50 meters. She was have stormed the eastern area of live broadcasting the events through Nablus, particularly, Yousef’s Tomb, her phone directly to the Facebook to secure the entrance of settlers page of Palestine Hadath. She was for prayer purposes in the tomb standing next to her colleague, since they believe it’s a sacred place Mohammad Shahine, who works in for them. Due to this, clashes have the same network. They were at a erupted between the citizens (in distance of 10 meters away from the this densely populated area) and demonstrators, and her colleague the occupation forces. I directly was filming with his phone. At went to cover these events from around 4:15, three gas bombs were the beginning. At around 12:30 PM, fired directly at her by a soldier after while I was covering the clashes and he stepped out a military jeep in the events, I was shot by a rubber bullet opposite side the separating fence. fired by a soldier. It injured my left She suffered severe suffocation, and thigh. There were some young men lost her consciousness for about 15 standing in the place, took me to minutes. Then she was immediately the ambulance which transported transferred to the Red Crescent me to father distance. I received the field hospital. About 300 meters field treatment for less than half of away from the fence where she an hour, and then returned back to was standing. Until 1 July 2018 she home”. continued to suffer from shortness (29 June) The photographer and of breath as a result of her injury. journalist at Palestine Hadath Network, and Al-Awda Media Network, Madeline Issam Abdel- Aqraa (20 years old) has suffered

5 “Palestine Post Agency” – a Palestinian news website operated through the social media, based at Turkey.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 89 2018 Details of violations

Preventive Security Service has attacked the freelance journalist, and field researcher of MADA, Lara Sameer Kanaan, while she was covering a march that was taking place in Nablus. They seized her phone and deleted all the photos and materials. The journalist, Lara Kanaan, has Journalist Madeleine Al-Aqra receives first aid while injured in the field in the reported to MADA “at 6:00 PM, town of Khuza’a, east of Khan Younis on Saturday, corresponding 30 June 2018, I went to the Martyrs (29 June) The freelance square, downtown Nablus, with my photojournalist, Ayed Zakaria Fadel colleague from Ultra Palestine, to Baker, (20 years old), was injured cover a protest against the sanctions with two gas bombs shot at his hand imposed on Gaza. The protest was and foot while he was covering the called for by factions from the peaceful return march taking place Liberation Organization, as well as in the east of Gaza. national institutions and events in According to the investigations the Governorate. I was wearing my conducted by MADA field researcher, Press shield, which also showed the the journalist, Ayed Zakaria Fadel logo of the journalists’ syndicate in Baker, (20 years old), who works which I am a member. After about as a freelance photojournalist, on an hour, the gathering was divided Friday, corresponding 29 June 2018, into two parts. I followed the march, went to Malka, located in the east while my colleague (from Ultra of Gaza, to cover the events of the Palestine) filmed the gathering in Return March. He was holding a the square. There were a number of sign that says (Press) on his chest. other journalists in the area. While When he arrived, he saw hundreds I was filming the events, one of the of demonstrators raising flags and Preventive Security Service agents, setting fire to rubber tires. Dozens whom I personally know, approached of demonstrators have approached me and tried to take my phone by the fence, while Zakaria was live force, after he shouted at me / quit broadcasting the events directly to filming/but I refused to give him the Facebook page of Hadf News my phone and tried to resists him. website, at a distance of 50 meters I was surprised by someone else, away from the separating fence. The and I did not personally know him. soldiers fired a barrage of gas bombs, He hit me hard with his hand elbow and Zakaria, consequently, suffered on my left hand, then he managed suffocation. However, he continued to grab my phone, while at least two working, but he was injured with other persons (all of them in civilian two gas bombs fired directly at him. clothes) were standing behind me. One of them injured his right hand, One of them pulled my hair back while the other injured his left foot. and tried to pull me which harmed He received field treatment by the my neck. The other one hit me on medical staff in the location”. my left shoulder and walked away. A (30 June) Some agents from the number of police officers were there.

90 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

About two hours later, my phone was the demonstrators (totaled to few brought back to me, after they had dozen) who were setting fire to deleted the material on it and on the the rubber tires. He started filming, Chip (the phone memory). I went to and while he was filming an Israeli Rafidya Governmental Hospital and military jeep (located on the other imaged my neck and shoulder where side of the fence) fired more than ten I had various bruises”. gas bombs from a platform installed July on the front of the jeep towards ?, the jeep fired a similar amount of (3rd July) the freelance tear gas at him and the group of photographer, Zaki Yahia Awadallah, journalists with him. He tried to (27 years old), from Yabna Camp, escape but fell to the ground after Rafah, south Gaza Strip, was he felt that one of bombs injured the injured by a gas bomb in his head back of his head (near the neck). He and suffered severe suffocation. It noticed heavy smoke around him was shot at him by the occupation caused by five bombs which fell soldiers while he was covering the near him. This has led to his loss of women march organized under the consciousness due gas suffocation, slogan “Palestinian women towards and he did not wake up until about the peaceful Return and breaking the (15 minutes) post his injury. He was siege” in Malka, east of Gaza City, as transferred by the civil defense staff part of the peaceful return marches to the field hospital in Malka, and taking place since the 30th of March stayed about 45 minutes receiving close to the separating fence east of treatment in the field hospital. He Gaza. was discharged at about 7:00 PM. According to the investigations of On the following day, 4th July (on MADA field researcher, the journalist which he was interviewed), he was Zaki Awadallah, was injured in Al- still suffering pain in the place of Awda Camp, east of Gaza, at around injury, redness, and a superficial 4:30 PM, on the 3rd of July and he wound not to mention his pain in was not wearing the recognized the back. It should be noted that the press vest. He was holding a shutter of his camera was damaged Canon Camera (D360, Mark 3), after it fell to the ground due to his and he started filming the influx of injury. participants on the road to the Camp (3rd July) at around 5:00 PM, on while he was at a distance of 700 3rd July, thousands of women and meters away from the border fence. men began to arrive to Malka, east Then he went with some freelance of Gaza Strip, to take part in the photographers, namely: Mohammad event “Palestinian women towards Qandeel, and Bader Al-Najadi, to the Return and breaking the siege”, cover the burning of rubber tires as part of the ongoing peaceful by some of the female and male return marches taking place since demonstrators, near the border 30th of March. With the arrival of the fence, at around 5:30, while he was participants, the occupation forces at a distance of 150 meters away began firing gas and tear gas bombs from the border fence. Awadallah at the demonstrators. Around 134 stopped with his colleagues at a of the demonstrators were injured, distance of 30 meters away from 43 of which were women, including

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 91 2018 Details of violations the journalist, Safinaz Allouh and gas bombs in his head and foot four other journalists, according to while he was covering the events the Ministry of Health, in addition to of the peaceful return march on the injuries of: Thaer Abu Rayash, the same day and in the same area injured by a gas bomb in the head, (Malka in the east of Gaza). Even the photojournalist, Zaki Awadallah, though he and a group of journalists injured by a gas bomb in the neck, the were approximately 200 meters journalist Mohammad Al-Zaghnoun, away from the separating fence, injured by fragments in the shoulder, they, along with the demonstrators, and the reporter of “Amad Media were exposed to a barrage of gas Agency”, Safinaz Allouh, injured by bombs automatically fired by an a gas bomb in the face. Israeli military jeep on the other side According to the investigations of the fence, which forced them to conducted by MADA field researcher, escape. After the jeep stopped firing the journalist Safinaz Baker gas bombs, a soldier approached Magmoud Allouh, arrived at around the fence and did the same manually 5:00 PM on the 3rd of July, to Malka, and directly at the photographer, east of Gaza to cover the events of Abu Rayash, where the first bomb the women march organized that injured his foot and another one time. She was wearing the PRESS injured his head. This injury caused vest and at around 5:30 PM, while hemorrhage and he was transferred Safinaz Allouh was conducting in an ambulance to the field hospital interviews with the demonstrators in that area. In the hospital, his at a distance of 150-200 meters wound was stitched and he received away from the separating fence, the the necessary treatment. occupation forces fired a barrage of (3rd July) the freelance gas bombs, and one of the bombs photojournalist, Mohammad Imad Al- has injured a young man standing Zaghnoun, (32 years old) was injured near Safinaz and then it bounced by fragments of an explosive bullet back to the face of the journalist and in his hand and feet while he was she suffered suffocation. covering the women demonstration Due to the intensified firing of gas organized near the separating fence bombs, she fainted and did not in the border area east of Gaza. realize what was happening near her. According to the field investigations She found herself at around 7:30 in conducted by MADA field Jerusalem Hospital in Tel Al-Hawa. researcher, at around 4:30 PM, on According to the doctors, the bomb Tuesday, corresponding 3 July 2018, injured Safinaz’s nose, which caused Al-Zaghnoun went to Malka, east bulge in the nose. Oxygen was used of Gaza, wearing the PRESS vest for her suffocation. She stayed in the and helmet, to cover the women hospital until about 11:00 PM (on the demonstration accompanied by a same day). She was discharged even number of journalists. The area was though she was still suffering from crowded with women demonstrating bulge and itching in the nose. at a distance of 700 meters away Concerning the freelance from the border fence. While some photographer, Thaer Khaled Fahmi young men were a few meters away Abu Rayash, he was injured by two from the border fence, the Israeli soldiers were fired tear gas bombs

92 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations at the demonstrators by drones that requires the evacuation of the area have reached Al-Awda Camps. As before 25 September 2018. The he approached 200 meters from the demolition includes all the houses, a separating fence, where ambulances mosque and a school built of rubber and civil defense were present, tires and clay, serving about 180 Israeli soldiers fired a number of students. gas bombs at him, and he became Since 4 July 2018 and over the surrounded by gas from all directions following three weeks, Khan Al- and could not move. One of the Ahmar has witnessed a lot of sit- demonstrators rushed to rescue ins and various peaceful protest him but the Israeli soldiers fired an activities to prevent the demolition explosive bullet at that demonstrator and displacement of population. As and wounded him on the right side a result, a relatively large number of of the abdomen. Fragments of the journalists were present on a daily bullet projected into the right hand, basis in the area to cover these and both knees of the journalist, Al- activities. The Israeli occupation Zaghnoun. This happened at around forces, in various ways and means, 6:00 PM, immediately after this, the have prevented journalists from civil defense rushed towards the covering these activities by not demonstrator and Al-Zaghnoun, allowing them to reach the area and transferred them through the sometimes and by attacking some ambulance to the medical point of them or detaining them or taking where they received first aid. Then other actions against them. Al-Zaghnoun was transferred to Al- On 04 July 2018, at 7:00 AM, a large Shifa Hospital, west of Gaza where number of Palestinian journalists he stayed until 10:00 PM and was went to Khan Al-Ahmar after discharged after making some the Israeli authorities decided to images and receiving the necessary implement the deportation and treatment. demolition decision of all the houses (4th July) The Bedouin community of there. The population who were Khan Al-Ahmar is located to the east trying to prevent the implementation of Jerusalem, on the highway, near of this decision resisted this which is Ma’ale Adumim and Kfar Adumim why the Israeli soldiers attacked the settlements. It is one of several citizens. The soldiers also attacked Bedouin communities in the same some journalists by beating and area. Its population is approximately preventing them from covering the 41 Palestinian families. It is located levelling of streets conducted by the within the territories targeted by the Army as a prelude to demolish all Israeli occupation authorities for the houses of citizens in Khan Al-Ahmar. implementation of the settlement Below are some of the journalists project titled E1. The population affected by these attacks: living in this area are exposed to 1. The journalist, Mohammad Ali the risk of displacement after the Abed Turkman, (50 years old), a Israeli occupation authorities have photographer of Reuters, went notified them with deportation and to Khan Al-Ahmar at 7:00 AM, demolishing their homes based on to cover the events and when he the decision issued by the Israeli arrived the area, he was denied Supreme Court of Justice which

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 93 2018 Details of violations

access by the soldiers. After job. It should be noted that he several attempts, he was able to was not wearing the PRESS vest. enter the area, he immediately 3. The Journalist, Hafez Mahmoud began his work as a journalist Hafez Abu Sabra, 28 years old, and started filming the levelling a reporter for the Jordanian TV, of the streets surrounding Khan ROYA, was deliberately pushed Al-Ahmar carried out by the more than once by the soldiers occupation authorities. They also while he was reporting live. An prevented the citizens to reach Israeli soldier pushed him and their houses. At the time, a large prevented him from coverage. His group of the Israeli patrol unit, colleague, ROYA photographer, called “Yassam”, with their dark Ashraf Mohammed Dar Zeid Al- blue uniforms and light arms, Nabali, was also pushed. pushed all the demonstrators in 4. The journalist of Associated the area, including Turkman, who Press (AP), Imad Mohammad was close to the demonstrators Hashim Saed, (50 years old), was to document what was pushed by the Israeli soldiers and happening. Soon after that, two fell to the ground which caused Israeli soldiers pushed him back him bruises in his right shoulder and he fell on his back. He was and right foot. He received the unhurt, but his 1DX camera with field treatment by Palestine Red 16/35 lens, Mark III crashed. Crescent staff. 2. Al-Awda TV reporter, Mohammed After that, Saed went to his vehicle Jarir Tawfiq Hamdan, (29 years (after receiving the necessary old), injured with bruises and treatment) to send the photographed scratches in his right foot and material to the agency he works lower back, after an attack by for. When he finished sending the a group of the Israeli army. One material, and prepared himself to of them hit him with an electric leave Khan Al-Ahmar, one of the baton on his chest, and he became Israeli police officers stopped him unable to move. The Palestinian and asked for the official papers of Red Crescent crew provided him the vehicle. He wrote him a ticket with initial treatment and he was of an amount of 250 NIS under transferred to the Palestinian the pretext that he has parked his Medical Complex in Ramallah. vehicle in a spot where parking After the necessary medical was not permitted, while Saed has examinations were conducted, emphasized that he has parked it was found that Hamdan was his vehicle in a spot dedicated for suffering from shortness of parking. breath and a simple fracture 5. The journalist, Hisham Kamel (hairline fracture) in one of the Khalid Abu Shara, (30 years old), thoracic cage ribs. He stayed works for Anatolia Agency, was in Palestine Medical Complex deliberately pushed by the Israeli for 7 hours under observation. occupation army soldiers who Hamdan was also attacked while also threatened him with arrest if he was near a group of his fellow he did not leave the site. journalists, carrying a camera 6. The photojournalist, Khalid Ali and a microphone and doing his Sabarnah, (48 years old), was

94 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

threatened by soldiers with Al-Ahmar under the pretext that arrest if he did not leave Khan Al- they have committed traffic Ahmar (which is where Sabarnah violations. Furthermore, the works). vehicle of WAFA agency, holding 7. Palestine Radio reporter, Fathi plate No. (1576) was seized given Khalil Issa Barahma, 55 years old, that the driver, Alaa Ali Allaham, was prevented by soldiers from (47 years old), at around 11:50 entering Khan Al-Ahmar area to AM, on Thursday, corresponding cover the events. 5 July 2018, was inside the 8. Palestine TV reporter, Kristin vehicle waiting for the staff Khaled Waleed Renawi, 29 years assigned to cover the events in old, was deliberately pushed Khan Al-Ahmar after parking by the soldiers during her live the vehicle in a place containing coverage. After completing her at least, 12 vehicles. At around work, she went to her vehicle 12:30 PM, Allaham stepped and found a 250 shekel ticket out of the vehicle and went to placed by the Israeli police on a nearby place to drink some the windshield of the vehicle. water, when he returned after fifteen minutes approximately, 9. On the following day, the sit-in he did not find the vehicle. The of dozens of citizens continued journalist, Sulaiman Abu Sorour in Khan Al-Ahmar to stop the has told him that he had seen demolition. Furthermore, the the Israeli police seizing it. After journalists continued to cover informing the official authorities, these events, which means the vehicle was returned to that the attacks continued. The the driver, Allaham, at 4.30PM reporter of Ma’an TV, Mohammed without issuing any tickets to Abdul Nabi Atallah Al-Lahham, him by the Israeli police. 51 years old, was beaten by Israeli soldiers while he was getting The traffic tickets issued by the ready at 8:05 AM, on 5 July 2018 Israeli police have also affected the to send a voice message to the journalist, Hiba Mohammad Kareem TV by phone, but soon after that Aslan, (30 years old), works for “Al- he was surprised by a soldier Jazeera Net” Website, as she was kicking his knees three times, ticketed with an amount of 250 NIS, and hitting him with the fist on while she was walking on foot and his chest. Which is why he fell to denied access to Khan Al-Ahmar. the ground, where a number of Furthermore, a ticket was issued to a people rushed to the tent near reporter of Palestine TV, Dana Ghazi Khan Al-Ahmar to receive field Mohammad Abu Shamsiya, (27 years treatment. The Israeli police has old), with an amount of 250 NIS (for also issued him a ticket of 500 her vehicle). shekels for parking his vehicle. At 6:15PM, on Wednesday, This became a procedure by the corresponding 18 July 2018, Israeli police which has affected the photographer of Reuters, another number of journalists Mohammad Zaki Abu Ghaniya, (45 who were ticketed while they years old) went to Khan Al-Ahmar to were crossing the street or for cover a solidarity-based sit-in with parking their vehicles near Khan the population of the area. When

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 95 2018 Details of violations he arrived the place, and before 2017), Balousha went to the Internal stepping out of the vehicle, an Israeli Security Center in Jabalya refugee police officer has issued him a traffic camp in the northern of Gaza Strip ticket with an amount of 250 NIS, and handed himself over at around under the pretext of parking the 10:00 AM. He was immediately placed vehicle on the yellow line in street in a cell and later questioned about adjacent to Khan Al-Ahmar. his posts, to whom he addresses (4th July) a court in Gaza, on 4 July his writings, and who pushed him 2018, has issued a sentence of six- to publish the post. He remained in month suspended imprisonment detention for a period of thirteen and a fine of 200 NIS against the days in Beit Lahia prison under the journalist, Amer Awni Mohammad charge of abusing the electronic Ba’lousha, due to a post he published devices. He was released on 16 July on his Facebook page a year ago 2017 after concluding an agreement even though he was arrested then (deal) between him as a citizen and detained for a period of 12 and the internal security officer days. Ever since that time, several under which he will be released hearings have been held for his trial provided he shall not “speak about which ended on 4 July 2018 with the the circumstances of arrest in the issuance of this sentence. case, in addition to not returning to incitement against the government”. According to the investigations of However, his case remained pending MADA field researcher, the internal before the court which deferred security in Gaza has arrested on 4 hearing the case eight times until July 2017, Amer Awni Mohammed 4 July 2018 on which this sentence Ba’lousha, (26 years), a resident of was issued against him. Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, works for the newspapers “Al-Badeel” (6 July) the Israeli soldiers have and “Al-Hadath” on the charge of attacked the Palestinian TV staff and “abuse of electronic devices” after fired two bullets at them while the he was summoned due to the post staff members were inside their car he published on his Facebook page marked with “TV”, while they were in on 3 July 2017 (that is, one day Urif village in Nablus governorate to before arrest), which reads “Do their cover the settlers’ attacks there. children sleep on the ground as our According to the investigations of children sleep? Do they use the MADA field researcher, Palestine TV rice trays as our mothers use them? staff working in Nablus, consisting The post highlighted the extreme of the reporter, Baker “Mohammad heat experienced by the population Sabah” Mamdouh Abdelhaq (28 of Gaza Strip in the absence of years old), the photographer, Samer electricity. The post has received Mustafa Habash (32 years old), and great reaction on the Facebook. He the driver, Abdullah Rida Abdullah was also threatened by an officer Sawalma (46 years old), at around of the Internal Security through 4:50 PM, on Friday, corresponding 6 commenting on the post asking him July 2018, went to cover the attacks to delete it, and then sending him carried out by the Israeli settlers a message on the Facebook asking in Urif, located 12 kilometers to the him to withdraw the post. On the Southwest of Nablus. When they following day, corresponding (4 July arrived the eastern area of Urif

96 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations through the vehicle marked with TV, started pushing the citizens and a Hyundai, h1, silver, and despite the indeed the citizens began to retreat. soldiers were at a distance of 100 In the meantime, an Israeli soldier meters, they fired rubber bullets at went to Iyad and shouted at him in the staff and hit the front section of Hebrew. Iyad did not understand the vehicle. The TV reporter, Baker, what he had told him. He ended shouted from the window “Press, his filming and left the site towards Press ..”. However, the soldiers fired Palestine TV Vehicle which was another metal bullet, which is why parked half kilometer away from the they quickly drove the vehicle away site. When he arrived to the vehicle, from the soldiers’ sight. This attack three soldiers approached Iyad, caused only material damage to the grabbed him tightly from his hands front of the car. The staff continued and neck. He told them he was a to cover the events for about an journalist and asked them why they hour and a half. were doing this. One of them asked (7th July) A number of settlers, him in Arabic to keep quiet and took protected by the Israeli Occupation him to the military jeep even though Army, have confiscated 20 Donums he was carrying his camera, Tripod of the lands of Al-Hamra, located in and microphone. It was found that Bani Naim, east of Hebron, where the Israeli army arrested seven of they placed mobile homes and the foreign and Jewish activists, a brought their livestock. On 7 July Palestinian activist and the journalist, 2018, the owners of the confiscated Iyad Al-Hashlamoun, and took them lands at Al-Hamra went along with in the army’s jeep to the investigation foreign activists to plough their lands, center, located inside Kiryat Arba and a number of journalists went settlement in the center of Hebron. to cover this activity including the When they arrived, the soldier asked photographer of Palestine TV, Iyad them to turn off their phones and Abdelhafeeth Al-Hashlamoun (28 not to speak at all. Iyad stayed with years old), and his colleagues from the group in the waiting room for the staff, namely Samia Abu Sharkh, about 4 hours. During this time, Fadi Khlaf, and the photographer, Iyad spoke with the lawyer Haya Wisam Al-Hashlamoun. Due to Abu Asfour. He was then brought the rugged terrain of the area, the to the investigation room where the journalists parked their cars about interrogator told him that he was in half a kilometer away from the lands a closed military zone and did not they intend to plough, to which they obey the orders of the soldier who arrived at 11:20 PM, where seven asked him to leave the site, even tents were set up for the settlers. though the soldier showed him a Al-Hashlamoun began filming the paper explaining so, Iyad replied that arrival of citizens to their land. At the the soldier spoke in Hebrew and he same time, approximately four jeeps did not understand what he said to of the Army arrived, in addition to him as he did not see any papers, soldiers’ carrier and an Israeli police and he does not understand Hebrew. car. The soldiers began demanding The interrogator asked him who the citizens to leave the place had called for the activity, and Iyad immediately, and they were speaking explained to him that he is the official in Hebrew, out loud. The soldiers reporter of Palestine TV and that he

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 97 2018 Details of violations went to the site under the instructions the Field”, broadcasted on Palestine of the television and showed him a TV at 12 o’clock, the occupation TV card. The interrogator asked him forces approached the TV staff and about the days or times when he forced the photographer to place goes to Alhamra and Iyad replied the camera on the ground and pull that he may go to any Palestinian out the sound cables to prevent live area where events are taking place, coverage. They also threatened the since his job is a photojournalist. The reporter, Christine Al-Rinawi, who interrogation lasted for about half an continued reporting to the program hour with Iyad. Then his fingerprints for several minutes with arrest if she were taken as well as his signature continued the coverage, and they on the investigation papers and forced them to leave the site. statements, which were written in (9th July) the Israeli authorities Hebrew, the language Iyad does not have prohibited “Al-Quds” TV from understand. The interrogator then working within the occupied city told him that he was banned to enter of Jerusalem and Israel. They also Bani Al-Naim or the bypass road for prohibited a media production a period of 15 days as of its date. company from working with “Al- He was released at the entrance of Quds” TV through providing media Kiryat Arba at around 7:00 PM after services after it summoned the he was detained for six hours and company’s director and two of its a half (between 12:30 PM, and 7:00 staff members and informed them PM). to stop working with the TV Channel (9 July) the occupation forces under any circumstances. The prevented Palestine TV staff from channel reporter was arrested and covering the levelling operations informed to stop working with the conducted by the Israeli occupation company as well. forces to establish a Caravan (mobile On Monday morning, corresponding homes) near Abu Dis to deport the 9 July 2018, the Israeli police handed residents of Khan Al-Ahmar after over the director of Al-Bashir being displaced from their village ProMedia for Television Production which was besieged a month ago, and two of his colleagues in the and which the Israeli authorities company in addition to the reporter decided to demolish and deport its of “Al-Quds” TV inside the Green residents. Line territories and in Jerusalem According to the investigations of official summonses for investigation MADa field researcher, Palestine TV purposes, and notified them with staff, which consists of the reporter, the prohibition of “Al-Quds” TV Christine Khaled Walid Al-Rinawi, within Jerusalem and the Green 29 years old, and the photographer, Line territories and to stop working Firas Fayez Abdullah Al-Hindawi, 27 with Channel as Al-Bashir ProMedia years old, went to the site where the provides it with media services bulldozers were setting up for the just as it does with other media caravans to evacuate the residents of organizations. Khan Al-Ahmar near Abu Dis. While The director of Al-Bashir ProMedia, the journalist, Christine Al-Rinawi, Iyad Al-Nael Jabareen, 42 years old, at around 12:06PM, was reporting from Um Al-Fahm, stated that he and live to the program “Reporters in

98 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations his colleagues from the company, permanent”, he added. the broadcast engineer, Mohammad Jabareen stated that “all the Abu Yousef Jabareen, 23 years old, employees of the company were and the video photographer, Ali asked the same questions and were Nael Jabareen, 24 years old, have released at the same time, except received official summonses in for the reporter, Anas Ighbariya, their homes demanding them to go who was released provided he shall directly to the investigation centers not exit the house for a period of “I and Mohammad went to Wadi five days, communicate with the Ara Investigation Center, while Ali company for a period of 30 days, went to Kishon Prison Center. The and travel for three days”. Reporter of Al-Quds TV, Anas Mousa (13th July) the freelance journalist, Ighbariya, 33 years old, was arrested Adel Ibrahim Salman Al-Hawajri, (24 from his house and was present in years old) was injured by a fragment the investigation, where he was not of a bullet in his calf muscle while allowed to go alone. After they told he was covering the events of the him that they need to interrogate return march, east of Bureij Camp, him for 10 minutes, they took him to Gaza Strip. Um Al-Fahm Center, and from there to Haifa Center, and he was returned According to the investigations of to Kishon Prison”. MADA field researcher, the freelance photographer, Adel Ibrahim Al- “I arrived at the interrogation center Hawajri, at around 3:30 PM, on Friday, at about 9:30AM and stayed in the corresponding 13 July 2018, went to investigation for about three hours the east of Bureij Camp to cover the during which I was asked questions events of the peaceful return march. about the nature of our work and the At around 5:00PM, and while Al- work of the production company (a Hawajri was at a distance of 300 television production company that meters away from the separating provides media services to several fence, wearing his PRESS helmet TV channels). I explained to them and vest and filming some of the that it is a private and non-partisan demonstrators, he felt an injury in company and that it works with all the leg (calf muscle from the back). TV channels and provides services. A number of young men took him to The interrogator asked in details the medical point established in the about our work with Al-Quds TV, and place where the paramedics found I told him that it is basically providing that he was injured by a fragment media services. The officer told me of a bullet that caused an entry that the TV channel belongs to Hamas and exit. He received the necessary and incites terrorism, and that its treatment. He felt no need to transfer work is prohibited in Jerusalem and him to Al-Aqsa hospital and then the Green Line territories. Therefore, he was discharged and went back we should not work with it under home”. any circumstances. He asked me to stop all forms of work and services (13th July) By the afternoon on with the TV channel because we are Friday, corresponding 13 July 2018, a licensed Israeli company and that the journalist, Muein Tayseer Al- this prohibition does not fall within a Dabba, 30 years old, was injured specified period - that is, it is open or with a bullet in his right hand while

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 99 2018 Details of violations he was covering the events of the 7:30 PM. He felt some pain and went peaceful return march east of Gaza, to Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Hospital, in in front of Karni crossing, by the Rafah, and received the necessary soldiers stationed on the other side treatment. In the same place, about of the separating fence. He was half an hour after Qandeel’s injury, transferred to Al-Quds Hospital the journalist, Alaa Abdelfattah El- of the Red Crescent in Gaza for Namla, 35 years old, works for Al- treatment and there, it was found Quds Media Network, also suffered that the bullet went through his severe suffocation even though he hand (causing an entry and exit) not was wearing the PRESS vest and to mention serious laceration in the a muzzle to avoid the gas. He was hand, as well as snapped tendons carrying a photographic camera, in his fingers and some fractures in Nikon D90, taking photos and the hand. He underwent more than shooting live through his mobile one operation to heal the wounds phone the events to upload it on his and fractures. He stayed in hospital Facebook page. He fell to the ground for four days, but still needs another as a result of inhaling a lot of gas. A operation. number of paramedics in the area (13th July) The Israeli Occupation approached him and provided him Forces continued its targeting with the necessary field treatment. of journalists while covering the When he returned around 7:00PM peaceful return march on the to the house, he suffered headache sixteenth Friday since the launching and exhaustion and therefore, went of these events. to Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah, received the necessary According to the investigations of treatment and then got back home. MADA field researcher, the freelance photographer “Mohammad Omar (13th July) the freelance Qandeel”, 29 years old, went to the photographer, Nihad Khalil eastern borders of Rafah, to the Mohammad Abdelnabi, 24 years south of Gaza Strip, on 13 July 2018, to old, was injured with an explosive cover the events of the return march. bullet in the left thigh while he was At around 5:30PM, he, alongside covering the events of the return his colleagues, Mahmoud Al-Jamal, march taking place in Abu Safiya, on and Abdelraheem Al-Khateeb Friday, corresponding 13 July 2018. approached the border fence. He According to the investigations was wearing the PRESS vest and of MADA field researcher, the holding a photographic camera, freelance photographer, Nihad Khalil Nikon 7100, standing 30 meters away Abdelnabi, before the Maghreb from the demonstrators’ gathering, prayers (between 7:30 PM and 8:00 taking photos of the events, that is PM), was near the medical staffs and when the Israeli occupation forces ambulances, at a distance of 200 started firing gas bombs heavily at meters away from the separating the demonstrators. About half an fence, in Abu Safiya, to the north hour later, the journalist Qandeel of Gaza, where he arrived in the was severely suffocated and fell to afternoon, to cover the events of the ground. An ambulance crew the return march in the area. In the provided him with the necessary meantime, the soldiers fired bursts treatment, and he returned home at of bullets at the demonstrators and

100 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations everyone present in the area which 200 meters away from the fence, caused his injury by an explosive the Israeli soldiers fired gas bombs bullet in the left thigh. Furthermore, manually and automatically (from his colleague, Abdelkareem one of the launchers). He tried to Hamdouna, who was standing near escape from the site, but one of the him, was also injured in his right bombs injured him in the left shoulder thigh. His camera screen crushed and which caused him dislocation and the camera’s lens of his colleagues, burns. He was then transferred Hamdouna, were also crushed immediately to the field hospital in due to falling to the ground after the area. After he received the first their injury. They were immediately aid, he was taken to the Indonesian transferred by the ambulances to hospital for additional examinations the field hospital established in that and treatment and stayed there for area. After they received the first aid one day as he was discharged from there, they were transferred to Al- hospital the next day. Awda Hospital close to the event to The photographer, Anas Alsharif was complete his treatment and take out injured on 6 July 2018 while he was the fragments. covering a similar demonstration Abdelnabi stayed in the hospital for with severe suffocation due to a gas two days, while Hamdouna stayed for bomb which caused him seizures one day. After they were discharged and shortness in breath which is why from the hospital, they continued to he was transferred to the Indonesian follow up their conditions on a daily Hospital. basis to clean the wound and change (13 July) the photojournalist working its dressing. for Xinhua News Agency and (13th July) the photographer of Anatolia News Agency, Nidal Shafiq “North Online” Network and Al-Aqsa Taher Ishtaya, 49 years old, was TV Facebook Page, Anas Jamal injured by a rubber bullet in his foot Mahmoud Al-Alsharif, 22 years fired directly at him by the soldiers old, was injured with burns and while he was standing in front of him dislocation in the left shoulder by a covering the events of the weekly gas bomb fired by the occupation demonstration organized in Kafr soldiers while he was covering the Qaddum against the settlement. events of the return march in Abu According to the investigations Safiya, east of Gaza, on 13 July 2018. conducted by MADA field According to the investigations researcher, the journalist, Nidal conducted by MADA field researcher, Shafiq Ishtaya, at around 1:15 PM, the photographer, Anas Jamal on Friday, corresponding 13 July Mahmoud Al-Sharif, went on the 2018, was in Kafr Qaddum to cover afternoon of Friday, corresponding the events of the weekly march (in 13 July 2018, to Abu Safiya, east of seven years, each week, a march is Gaza, to cover the events of the launched against settlement and to return march. He was wearing the call for opening the village closed PRESS vest and helmet, and after road for over than fourteen years for about three hours of walking around the interest of Kedumim settlement and doing his work there, and established above Kafr Qaddum while he was, at around 6:30 PM, sixteen kilometers to the west of

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 101 2018 Details of violations

Nablus City. He is a photojournalist since the beginning of covering the who works for the Chinese news events …. Before …..”. agency and Anatolia news agency, (14th July) The Preventive Security and while he was at a distance of 40 Services has arrested Mohammed meters, in a very close area to the Saeed Jahaysheh, 34 years old, a Israeli soldiers to cover the events programs presenter at Al-Marah taking place there, about half an local radio in Hebron, on the road, hour later, a group of three soldiers after he left the radio station to buy approached the journalist Ishtaya on some stuff. His arrest came three the main street, where the clashes days after he received a summoning were taking place, at about 15 meters which he ripped and did not respond away from him, and Ishtaya was to. waiting for an opportunity to film a At around 12:00PM, on Wednesday, shot for the soldiers who were firing corresponding 11 July 2018, and while bullets at the demonstrators. While Mohammed Saeed Jahaysheh, 34 he was looking at them through years old, was in his house in Idna, his camera, he noticed that one of Hebron, he heard knocking on the the soldiers was pointing the gun inner door of his house (the house towards him, indeed, the bullet was has two doors, one of them is an fired but did not injure him. Therefore, inner door which a person can reach he changed his spot to make it visible only if he/she entered the main door, for the soldier that he is a journalist through the house yard, up to the wearing the blue PRESS vest and stairs). He was in his bedroom and helmet. The demonstrators were to the window looks out into the inner the left side of the journalist Ishataya door, he saw a man in civil clothing while the soldiers were in front of knocking the door, which surprised him. He moved a distance of two and provoked him as the man in meters, but the soldier fired bullets the civil clothing was basically again at Ishtaya and injured him by a trespassing. rubber bullet in the left foot. Which is why he shouted out loud at the Mohammad opened the door and soldier / I am a journalist and I am in the man told him that he was from my PRESS vest and helmet with the the Palestinian Preventive Security cameras in my hand, you can clearly Services. He handed him over a see me, and still you are firing bullets notification stating that he must at me/; however, the soldier ignored go to the Services headquarters. him, and Ishtaya retreated from Mohammad took the notification, the site and moved away from the ripped and threw it in front of the demonstrators’ gathering. He kept man. He said to him that he had no waiting until the soldiers retreated right to enter the house in this way from the site and went towards (he said he ripped the notification the ambulance where he received because of the way the man entered treatment by the paramedics who the house, and because he was have sterilized the wound and put exhausted, with no concentration some ice on his foot. It should be since he did not sleep for long hours noted that this is the 35th injury, at that time and because he has not approximately, of Ishtaya caused by published any political posts on the rubber bullets fired by the soldiers Facebook two years ago). Three days

102 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations later, on Saturday, corresponding 14 10:00AM he was transferred to Dura July, 2018, after Mohammad finished Prosecution Offtice handcuffed with presenting his program via Al-Marah another accused person. There, he Radio in Hebron at 9:30 AM, he met his lawyer (Shaker Al-Tmaizi) went out to buy cigarettes, and he who was appointed by MADA center. was surprised by a man he did not He spent two to three hours with know approaching him and had a the civilian detainees in the court firm handshake with him. Soon after waiting room before appearing that, another two men joined him, before the chief prosecutor, in the grabbed Mohammad from his hands, presence of the representative of and told him that they were from the Journalists’ Syndicate in Hebron, the Preventive Security Services. Jihad Al-Qawasmeh, who requested They took him to a white car of the to speak with him and told him that Preventive Security Services, and he was detained for the charge of asked him to turn off his phone and “blackmailing a girl”, and that this take off his sunglasses. When he subject was closed and he has to arrived to the Preventive Security open his Facebook page to release Services headquarters in Hebron, him immediately. Mohammad he was manually searched. He put refused to open his Facebook page everything in his possession in the “as long as there is no order from the safe and was transferred to a cell that Public Prosecution to do so”. After smells so bad inside of which there that, the journalist Mohammad was was a blanket that smells stinky, brought to the chief prosecutor, not to mention that the ventilation and he requested the presence of inside the cell was almost absent. the investigation lawyer. Indeed, They closed the air vents of the door the advocate Shaker Al-Tmaizi and he stayed in the cell around ten was summoned and initiated hours. Then he was taken to the the investigation in the presence investigation at the same time of of the Journalists’ Syndicate the Maghreb prayers (at 7:50 PM). representative, Jihad Al-Qawasmeh. One of the officers who were with He was questioned about ripping him in the room asked him why he the notification and about his ripped the notification and why he Facebook posts only. His detention published a post about the security was extended for 48 hours, and he services on his Facebook page. He was taken to a cell in the Prosecution was also asked about an old post office in Hebron. During the 48 hours, he has published previously about Mohammad was questioned seven the Water Authority “which caused times about ripping the notification anxiety in Idna, and a post he has and his Facebook posts. At one published two years ago because of time, the interrogator repeated the which he was accused of attacking same questions and suddenly asked the Attorney General concerning the him “Whose the girl you’re talking closure of Safa Agency”. After this to? Mohammad replied that he is investigation, they took him back to a journalist and he speaks with so another cell upon his request. On the many people. The interrogator asked following morning, corresponding “the girl you disrespectfully talk to?” 12 July, he refused their request to Mohammad replied that even if there sign his statement, and at around was someone he speaks with, what

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 103 2018 Details of violations does the Public Prosecution has to guarantee. The interrogator has do with this? The interrogator cursed informed Mohammad to return to him “you are rude and disrespectful”. the Services headquarter on Sunday. On the third day of his detention (On Mohammad was not informed with Monday afternoon), about 12 hours the reason of the notification he before the expiry of the detention received in the first place, he did not extension ordered by the Public know why the representative of the Prosecution, Jihad Al- Qawasmeh Journalists’ Syndicate addressed met him again and told him that the the case of blackmailing a girl while Syndicate wants to help him, but his he was arrested. But he was asked case is not a journalist’s case, rather so many times and more than it is a “blackmailing case of a girl once throughout the investigation through the Facebook”, which is a about the posts he published on his very sensitive type of cases. He asked Facebook page. He was charged Mohammad to open his Facebook with contempt of a public servant. page during the investigation for A hearing session was scheduled five minutes on the same day. for his trail on 26 November on Mohammad refused again and he which the witnesses will be brought was presented to the interrogator (the employee from the Preventive again who asked him the same Security Services who delivered the questions. Al- Qawasmeh asked notification to identify the reason the interrogator to properly detain why he ripped it). Mohammad, accordingly, he was (17 July) the Israeli Occupation Forces taken to another room in which there prevented the reporter of “Quds were other accused persons (one of Net”, the journalist, Abdulmohsen them was charged with armaments Tayser Shalaldeh from travelling while the other was a drug addict and sent him back from Al-Karama who continuously was smoking, then crossing. On the following day, he attacks Mohammad and tells him was summoned for investigation that he will kill him, in other sense, where he stated to MADA “on the he was hallucinating). Mohammad morning of 17 July, I went to Amman stayed in the room about 12 hours, and when I arrived the Israeli side at on Tuesday morning, corresponding Al-Karama crossing, around 8:30, I 17 July 2018, he was transferred to presented my passport, and they Dura Court after he was charged kept me waiting until 12:30 PM. The by the Public Prosecution with Israeli soldier gave me back my contempt of a public servant and passport marked with a label that a security service. The judge heard says I am banned from travelling the lawyer’s response and decided “banned for security reasons”. On to release the journalist, Mohammad, the following day, corresponding under a bail of an amount of 500 18 July, I went to the Israeli Military JD, but it was late (2:00PM and the Liaison Office to find out the reason funds were closed), so Mohammad of my travel ban for security reasons. was taken again to the same cell. However, they did not help me On the following day, Wednesday, other than explaining that it was a corresponding 18 July 2018, he was “police ban” without any reasons released after the bail requested or justifications. They handed me from him was changed to a personal over an official summoning paper

104 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations for interview in Etzion Center on conducted by MADA field Thursday, corresponding 26 July researcher, the freelance journalist, 2018”. Zaki Yahya Awadallah, 27 years old, In a later statement he added went to east Rafah, south of Gaza “at 10:30AM, on Thursday, Strip, in the afternoon, on Friday, corresponding 26 July, I went to corresponding 20 July 2018 to cover Etzion Prison, as scheduled, and the events of the peaceful return kept waiting after my personal march there. At around 6:30 PM on card was seized until 1:30PM. Then I that day, he alongside the journalists, entered the room of an officer called Tuqa Al-Zamli and Riwa Khalid, Captin “Kedim” (who is in charge of approached the separating fence, Sa’ir, Ash-Shuyukh, and Al-Arroub) carrying a photographic camera, for investigation purposes. He first Canon 5D Mark, he was not wearing asked about what I filmed on the the PRESS vest, and stopped at a day my uncle was released free from distance of 50 meters away from the detention four years ago, and then separating fence. He started taking moved to question me about the photos of the demonstrators when reasons why I want to travel and I the Israeli occupation forces at that answered for study purposes but the time began firing gas bombs heavily specialization I wanted to study was at the demonstrators. About half not available, he replied that I was an hour later (at around 7:00PM) banned for security reasons because Awadallah was injured with a bullet I am a /terrorist / and that this ban through both of his legs (causing was decided personally by him. He an entry and exit – the same bullet threatened me with arrest right went through one leg and then from my house in the future. He also exited from the other). He fell to the turned on my phone, opened my ground, and was taken then by the personal page of Facebook, checked ambulance staff of the Palestinian the posts and noticed one post I have Ministry of Health immediately published about Khan Alahmar in to the field hospital at a distance which I described the occupation as of 700 meters away from the Nazi for assaulting a child. He asked demonstrators’ gathering. He was me about the post and I replied that given the first aid and then he was he had to watch the video and after transferred in an ambulance to Gaza watching the video, he threw the European Hospital in Khan Younes. phone hard on the ground. Finally, The moment he arrived the hospital he told me that the ban is existing at around 7:30 PM, he was taken to and I will not travel. They released the operations room and underwent me at about 3:30 PM”. an operation that has lasted for two hours in which the Calf was (20th July) two journalists were removed due to serious laceration. injured, one with a bullet through Furthermore, one of the veins which both of his legs, and the other with got cut off due to the bullet was severe suffocation while they were connected, and both of his legs were covering the events of the peaceful placed in cast. He remained under march east of Rafah, in Gaza Strip, anesthesia until around 11:00AM the on 20 July 2018. following day. He suffered several According to the investigations new complications and a severe

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 105 2018 Details of violations hemorrhage which required fifteen blood units and hospitalization for two weeks. On the same day, the photojournalist, Mohammad Samih Abu Sultan, 24 years old, works for “Rowad Al- Haqiqa” Network, was injured with severe suffocation due to firing a barrage of gas bombs by the soldiers while he and some of his colleagues, at around 5:00PM, approached the demonstrators’ gathering who were at a distance of 40 meters away from the separating fence. It should be noted that he was wearing the PRESS vest and helmet, and carrying a photographic camera Nikon D300. Due to his injury, he fainted as a result of inhaling large amount of Journalist Zaki Awadallah was wounded gas and fell immediately to the by a live bullet in the right and left legs, ground. Volunteers and paramedics East of Rafah rushed to take him to an ambulance (20th July) the Israeli occupation that was nearby and transfer him to forces continued targeting the the field hospital, about 700 meters journalists while covering the away from the border fence. In the peaceful return marches which hospital, he received the necessary have erupted four months ago. This treatment, but later on, he continued targeting has affected the journalist, to suffer from complications such Hiba Awad, on Friday, corresponding as, redness in the face and shortness 20 July 2018, east of Khan Younes. in breath. At around 7:30 PM, when he returned to the house, he had According to the investigations to go back to Abu Yousef Al-Najjar conducted by MADA field Hospital in Rafah where he received researcher, the journalist Hiba Sami more treatment as a result of Mohammad Awad, 21 years old, suffering from some complications works for PalHadath Agency, from such as throwing up and pain. Khan Younes, went to Khuza’a, east of Khan Younes, to cover the events of the return march on Friday, corresponding 20 July 2018, and at around 3:30 PM, she went with her colleague, Madeleine Aqra, who works for the same Agency, towards the border fence to cover the protests of dozens of demonstrators and stopped at a distance of 100 meters away from the separating fence. She was carrying a D-9 Nikon Camera, and wearing the PRESS

106 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations vest and helmet. She started taking call, he was told that he is requested some photos of the demonstrators in to go to the Intelligence Services the area where three Israeli military headquarters on the following day, jeeps were stationed in addition to corresponding 20 July, but he told the soldiers on the other side of the them he was preoccupied with fence. The jeeps and the soldiers his studies at the University and began firing gas bombs at the will not go. On Sunday morning, demonstrators and after about half corresponding 22 July, at around an hour (at 4:00PM) she was injured 7:00 AM, he went to the Intelligence by a gas bomb in the left shoulder, services headquarters, but did not the bomb stuck to her shoulder return until Tuesday corresponding due to its overheat, which confused 24 July. As we learned – from the and frightened her. A young man phone calls – he was brought before grabbed the bomb, removed it and the Public Prosecution on Monday, threw it away from her. The gas bomb corresponding 23 July and his caused her superficial burn. The detention was extended to 24 hours civil defense transferred her to an without knowing the justifications of ambulance which was at a distance the arrest”. of 300 meters approximately and Huthaifa was brought before the she received the first aid. court and his arrest was extended for (22nd July) The Palestinian 15 days to complete the investigation Intelligence Services has arrested under the charge of “possessing a the graduate student, in the Media weapon” based on a photo saved Faculty / Al-Quds Abu Deis, Huthaifa on his phone he has published once Ali Jamous, 26 years old, was on his Instagram three years ago, arrested after he was summoned in which Huthaifa appears carrying for investigation. Huthaifa’s mother, a weapon that belongs to one of Najah Abu Zeina, reported to MADA the employees at the Palestinian that Huthaifa “went on Sunday, Authority. corresponding 8 July 2018, to the (24 July) the Israeli occupation Preventive Security headquarters forces have arrested the journalist in Ramallah and stayed there from author, Lama Abdulmutaleb Deeb 8:00 AM until 2:30 PM. He was Khater, 24 years old, after raiding questioned about his posts on the and searching her house located in Facebook, most of which were Hebron, at dawn, on 24 July 2018. about the same topic which is lifting According to the investigations penalties imposed on Gaza. They conducted by MADA field researcher, tried to make him sign on a pledge an Israeli military force, at around to commit to the Cybercrimes 1:30 AM, on Tuesday, corresponding Law, and on a declaration not to 24 July 2018, has raided the house incite. But he refused to sign both of the Eng. Hazem Khader Nimer documents and signed only his Al-Fakhouri, 45 years old, located statements. On 19 July, and while he in Luza, Hebron, and informed him was in the University, he received a that they will search the house. They phone call from a strange number. asked him about his wife, Lama Later on he found out that the Khater, who was in her room, and number belongs to the Palestinian asked him to call her immediately. Intelligence Services. In the phone

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 107 2018 Details of violations

The moment she left her room and According to the investigations came, the Israeli officer informed conducted by MADA field researcher, her that she was under arrest, and at around 3:30 PM, on 27 July 2018, asked her to bring her phone, and the journalist, Alaa Fayez Mohammad computer. They seized the hard Al-Hindi, arrived on the motorcycle disc of her computer as well as her (Dayon 40), accompanied by the personal phone. A female Israeli reporter of Al-Aqsa Radio, Ismail soldier has searched her and asked Abu Omar to Khuza’a, carrying a her to say goodbye to her family. video camera (Sony 175) belonging Indeed, she said goodbye to her to Al-Aqsa TV, which he works for. family and started crying especially He went to the vehicle reporting live when she saw her little kid, aged which arrived before him to the site 18 months. They took her to the and stopped at a distance of 400 jeeps parked in front of the house. meters away from the separating According to her husband, Hazem, fence, and 500 meters away from Lama’s lawyer has informed him on the border fence. He was wearing the 26 July 2018 that Lama’s detention PRESS vest and helmet, and carrying was extended until the investigation his camera. Due to a problem in the is completed with her. vehicle reporting live, he had to The occupation forces have raided report live through his Facebook Lama’s house two years ago to arrest page to the TV channel. At around her, but her husband informed them 5:30 PM, he alongside the reporter, that at that time she had a baby, two Wisam Al-Ghalban, began working months old, and that he cannot stay on the events report using a Galaxy away from his mother, she insisted J7 Camera for the TV Channel. At to take her baby with her to the around 6:10, and while he was near his prison, which forced the occupation colleague, the reporter, Mohammad forces to suspend her arrest at that Qaoud, suffered severe suffocation time according to her husband’s by gas bombs thrown by a drone at statement. However, the Israeli the demonstrators and journalists. intelligence services summoned her One of the bombs fell two meters husband, Hazem, to Gush Etzion away from him, in conjunction with and asked him to tell his wife to the firing of gas bombs by the Israeli stop publishing inciting posts, not to military jeeps stationed on the other mention that he literally asked him side of the fence. The injury caused to disconnect the internet to prevent him shortness in breath, which is why Lama from publishing inciting posts the Red Crescent Ambulance staff as the Israeli officer described them has to put him under the oxygen to her husband. concentrator. They transferred him to the field hospital at a distance of (27th July) the photographer of Al- 300 meters away from their location, Aqsa TV, Alaa Fayez Mohammad Al- and gave her the necessary first aid. Hindi, 40 years old, from Ar Rimal block in Khan Younes, was injured (27th July) the occupation forces with severe suffocation while he was attacked two journalists while covering the events of the peaceful they were covering demolitions return march in Khuza’a, east of taking place in Kubar, Ramallah Khan Younes. Governorate, noting that the Army was using a shield for protection

108 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations from the demonstrators’ stones. off his phone and tried to take the According to the investigations phone by force. He threatened him conducted by MADA field researcher, with spraying the pepper gas at 25 Israeli military patrols raided him. Furthermore, the soldiers tried Kubar (10 kilometers to the north to use his vehicle as a shield for of Ramallah), at around 4:00AM, protection from the stones thrown on 27 July 2018, at dawn. They by the demonstrators at them which closed the village and prevented its subjected him to serious danger as population from leaving or entering. he “was between the stones of the However, they retreated temporarily demonstrators and the bullets of the from the village at around 9:00AM, soldiers” as he stated. and came after about an hour and (27th July) the journalist, Sobhey a half to raid the family house of Mousa Abu Al-Hossain, 45 years the martyr, Tareq Yousef, who has old, works at the Media Office of allegedly killed an Israeli settler in the Ministry of Interior in Gaza, was “Adam” settlement, north Jerusalem. injured with a bullet in the right thigh After that, at around 2:00PM, while while he was covering the events of Al-Ghad TV reporter, Diaa Houshia, the peaceful return march, east of was reporting on the army’s raiding Rafah, on Friday, corresponding 27 of the house, five soldiers, including July 2018. officers known to the journalists According to the investigations such as “Raja”, approached him and conducted by MADA field researcher, searched the TV Channel vehicle. while Sobhey Mousa Abu Al-Hossain They requested the personal and was with a number of journalists at journalism cards. During the search, a distance of 150 meters away from Houshia, continued to cover the the border fence, he was injured with event live, and one of the soldiers a bullet in the right thigh causing and grabbed the microphone from him entry and exit. Immediately after his and turned it off. injury, the paramedics transferred However, it seemed they knew he was him to the ambulance to take him to reporting live, so the known officer the field hospital in the same area, “Raja” intervened and returned at a distance of 700 meters, where his cards and microphone back to he received first aid for about five him. He ordered him to leave the minutes. The doctors transferred site immediately under the pretext him to Gaza European Hospital in that it is a closed military zone. At Khan Younes, and the moment he around 2:00PM on the same day, the arrived the hospital at around 5:30 soldiers detained the photographer PM, he was admitted to the E.R. for of Associated Press Agency, Majdi treatment and dressing the wound Mohammad Ishtaya, 35 years old, after stitching as a result of rupture while he was attempting to enter in the muscles caused by the bullet Kubar from the northern entrance of exit wound. About an hour after the village. One of the border patrol he entered the ward, the doctors officers grabber the car keys and decided to discharge him. He left ordered him to turn off the engine the hospital heading to the house. At of the car. When the officer saw about 7:00 on his way to his home, he was about to use his phone, he he felt severe pain and hemorrhage, shouted at him asking him to turn which is why he returned to the hospital. 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 109 2018 Details of violations

away from the separating fence, and while he was taking some photos for the clashes, he suffered suffocation due to inhaling gas and received field treatment. Furthermore, the journalist, Hind Osama Hassan Al- Khudari, 23 years old, from Gaza, a reporter of Kuwait TV English and Russian Today, has also suffered severe suffocation while she was at a distance of 150 meters away from the separating fence covering the Mohmoud Shata Photoghrapher of events of the return march. It should Safad Press Website severely suffocated by the Israeli occupation forces tear gas be noted that she was wearing the PRESS shield and helmet without a On the same day, the photographer muzzle. The field first aid was given of Safad Press Website, Mahmoud to her by the medical staff in the site. Mohammad Shata, 25 years old, has suffered severe suffocation while he Moreover, the journalist, Ghalya Ali was at a distance of 100 meters away Mahmoud Hamad, 27 years old, from the separating fence filming the from Gaza, a reporter of Al-Jazeera events of the demonstration noting Mubasher, has suffered severe that he was wearing the PRESS vest suffocation at around 7:30PM, while and helmet, carrying a photographic she was preparing herself to leave camera, due to firing gas bombs the border area accompanied with heavily at the demonstrators, at the staff after she finished working. around 6:00PM, he was transferred At that time, she was inside the live by an ambulance of the Palestinian reporting vehicle at a distance of Red Crescent to the field hospital 500 meters away from the borders. where he received the necessary She was not wearing the (helmet, treatment for about 15 minutes. shield, and muzzle) because she was about to leave the place. Israeli (27th July) seven journalists suffered drones started firing gas bombs severe suffocation due to firing gas heavily which made her suffer severe bombs by the Israeli occupation suffocation. She was transferred in forces heavily at the demonstrators an ambulance to the medical point while they were covering the events in the site where she received field of the return marches in the border treatment. area, east of Gaza. The journalist, Mustafa Amer The journalist, Attiya Mohammad Mohammad Salah, 27 years old, Ali Darwish, 30 years old, from from Al-Shati Refugee Camp, works Nuseirat Refugee Camp, works as as a photographer for Al-Manara a photographer for Al-Ray Agency, Media Agency, was injured with his was wearing the PRESS shield and colleagues from the staff members, helmet, putting a piece of clothing including the reporter, Hajer Harb, on his mouth and nose to avoid and the photographer assistant, Ali being severely suffocated by gas as Al-Attar, who were at a distance of he did not have any muzzle. He was 150 meters away from the separating standing at a distance of 300 meters fence, when an Israeli jeep heavily

110 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations fired gas bombs. It should be noted journalists, Mahmoud Fawzi, the that Salah was wearing the PRESS photographer of Ramsat Agency, shield, and was transferred with his and Ahmad Shawer, the reporter colleague, Al-Attar to the medical of Palestine TV, were standing near point in the area and received the him (at a distance of 10 meters necessary treatment. approximately), and asked them The journalist, Hajar Mohammad to leave the site immediately and Harb, 33 years old, has stated to the threatened them with shooting. This field researcher of MADA, that she has caused the journalists, Shawer went on 27 July 2018, accompanied and Fawzi to retreat towards the by Al-Maseera TV staff , composed village and walk away 100 meters of the photographer, Mustafa Salah, away from the abandoned house. and the assistant Ali Al-Attar, to The journalists continued to cover her officer in Malka, east of Gaza, the events, and at around 5:20PM, wearing the PRESS shield to cover the journalist, Loay Samhan was the events of the peaceful return suddenly injured with a metal bullet in march. She approached a street his left leg (an eye-witness has likely called “Jakar”, 300 meters away stated that the soldiers stationed in from the separating fence, and while the abandoned house have fired the she was there, an Israeli drone fired a metal bullet). He fell to the ground barrage of tear gas bombs in a circle, and was immediately transferred by which is why she could not move the ambulance to Darwish Nazzal because she passed out for inhaling Governmental Hospital in Qalqilya, large amount of gas. Immediately, where an x-ray was taken for him the Red Crescent staff came and and where he received treatment for transferred her to the field hospital his injury. in the area where she received (28th July) after the announcement first aid and treatment until she of the Palestinian President in March, regained consciousness. It should be 2018, penalties were imposed on noted that the journalist, Harb, was Gaza Strip as a result of the dead suffering from Cancer and recovered end the reconciliation has reached a short while ago. Until Tuesday, between Hamas and Fateh. Several corresponding 31 July 2018, she was demonstrations and marches have still suffering from gas suffocation. erupted in the West Bank and Gaza (28th July) the photographer of Strip demanding to lift the penalties. Palestine TV, Loay Abdelhafeeth Aref The journalist, Iyad Abdelrahman Samhan, 39 years old, was injured Ahmad Al-Rifae, 26 years old, from with a metal bullet in his left leg, Anata, east of Jerusalem, works at fired at him by one of the occupation the Public Relations Department soldiers while he was covering the at Al-Wataniya Mobile, in Al-Bireh, weekly march to protest settlement has participated more than once and closure in Kafr Qaddum on 28 as a journalist and young activist in July 2018. some of the marches organized in Ramallah. Recently, he was subject to According to the investigations a series of threats and incitement by conducted by MADA field researcher, some people Iyad believes belonging three soldiers approached an to the Palestinian Authority services abandoned house where the and using nicknames.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 111 2018 Details of violations

On 24 July 2018, the journalist, The text of the threatening message Iyad Al-Rifae, received a phone call contained a photo of his wife and from a person who has identified little son that says: “imagine when himself as an intelligence officer, you look at this photo and start without saying his name. the crying instead of laughing”. The officer informed him to go to the journalist, Iyad, stated that he has intelligence services headquarters filed a complaint to the Investigations in Ramallah, Jerusalem Intelligence Police Services, without any reply services department, at 10:30AM, so far. Furthermore, he was subject on Saturday, corresponding 28 July to incitement campaign via the 2018, when Al-Rifae arrived the social media about a month ago headquarters on the scheduled time, under which he was accused that he he was searched and his personal “works for Al-Qassam intelligence”, phone was seized, he was taken to belonging to Hamas and that one of the investigation offices by he “runs” webpages against the three persons (who did not identify Palestinian National Authority. their names) for five continuous (30th July) the occupation forces, at hours. Al-Rifae was exposed to dawn, on 30 July 2018, have arrested threatening with dismissal from the director of Al-Quds TV, Alaa Al-Wataniya Mobile Co. as well as Al-Rimawi, 40 years old, and the with beating and shabeh during photographers, Qutaiba Mohammad the investigation as he stated. The Hamdan, 25 years old, who was investigation focused on his activities arrested from a house in Betunia, in Al-Quds University, Abu Deis, five west of Ramallah, and Husni Hassan years ago, and his work as a journalist Injas, 32 years old, who was arrested in addition to his involvement from his house in Kharbatha Bani in the action towards lifting the Hareth, in Ramallah, in addition to penalties over Gaza Strip. after the the journalist, Mohammad Sami completion of the investigation, Aref Alwan, 34 years old, who was one of the interrogators said to him arrested at 3:00AM, at dawn, in before leaving that “the director was Sateh Marhaba, al-Bireh. not available as he went to Farah”, According to the follow up of MADA and therefore, they kept Al-Rifae field researcher, all of the above in detention in the same room and mentioned journalists were arrested closed the door. He remained in from their houses, handcuffed and detention for four hours and was blindfolded, after their journalism not released until at about 8:30PM equipment were seized from them. on the same day without taking any The seized equipment included procedure against him or informing Hyundai Santa Fe, a computer, the him with anything except for leaving. shields and helmets of the journalists, Iyad confirmed that on the day he in addition to the filming and imaging was summoned, on 24 July 2018, he equipment which were seized from received messages on the Facebook the house of Al-Quds TV director, threatening him, his wife and his little when he was arrested from his house son with murder, from anonymous as his wife stated. Moreover, three persons known by nicknames, one computers, four various cameras, of the messages was sent under the imaging equipment in addition to name “Shireen Mousa” in English. four cell phones, the PRESS vest and

112 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations helmet were seized from the house he was threatened with closing of the journalist, Qutaiba Hamdan, his Facebook page. Maali (from before he was arrested and taken Salfit) stated to MADA “on Monday, to the Israeli Camp, Ofer. He was corresponding 30 July 2018, I handcuffed and blindfolded as his received a summoning through the mother stated. Additionally, the phone by the Preventive Security vehicle of the photographer, Husni Services in Salfit, on the following Hassan Injas, Fiat 2008, was also day (Tuesday, corresponding 31 July seized when he was arrested from 2018), I went to the headquarters, his house in Kharbatha Bani Hareth, and the investigation was initiated in addition to two computers, by questioning me about my posts imaging equipment, press cards, on the Facebook, and that I have hard discs, and his archive before he to be careful with my posts. The was taken to Kiryat Sefer settlement, questions in the investigation were close to the village as stated his general, they did not disclose sister. Furthermore, the computer of anything specific in this regard. They the journalist, Mohammad Sami Aref took my personal identity card and Alwan, in addition to his camera, my phone, and threatened me with storage devices (hard disc), and closing my Facebook Page”. cell phone before he was arrested “on the following day, Wednesday, from his house in Al-Bireh. He was corresponding 1 August 2018, I went taken to Psagot Settlement close to again to the headquarters in Salfit Al-Bireh, as his sister, Faten Alwan, and stayed from 10:00AM until stated to MADA field researcher. the afternoon waiting to take my The arrest of the four journalists personal identity card and phone” came after the Israeli occupation Maali added. authorities banned Al-Quds TV August from working in Israel several days ago, and pursuing a journalist (1st August) At around 12:00 on staff working with it inside Israel, Wednesday, 1 August, a number of although the occupation authorities settlers broke into Balata village in did not officially announce the ban the east of Nablus, an overcrowded of Al-Quds TV even though they residential area, under the pretext have already arrested a number of of praying at the Yusuf Mosque (a journalists under the pretext that religious historical site) under the they were working with the TV protection of Israeli occupation channel and brought some of them forces. , In one of a series of incursions to trial on the grounds that they usually carried out by the settlers were working with “an organization to this site, leading to outbreaks of belonging to Hamas”. confrontations in the area. (30th July) the Preventive Security (1st August) at around 12:00 Services in Salfit has summoned midnight, on Tuesday/Wednesday, the freelance journalist, Khalid Amin corresponding 1st August 2018, a Maali, 52 years old, on Monday, number of settlers have broken into corresponding 30 July 2018, to Balata camp, east of Nablus, which question him about his posts on is a densely populated residential the Facebook. His personal card area, under the pretext of praying at and cell phone were taken and Joseph’s Tomb (a religious historic

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 113 2018 Details of violations site), under the protection of the and he was arrested. Israeli occupation forces, in one of According to the investigations a series of incursions usually carried conducted by MADA researcher, out by settlers to this site, leading to about 15 soldiers have raided the clashes in the area. house of the journalist Mohammad According to MADA researcher’s Anwar Muna, who works as the investigations, a group of journalists, director of Hawa Nablus Radio and including the journalist, Mutasem a reporter of Quds Press Network Sameer Hamdi Saqf Al-Heet, a at around 2:30 AM on Wednesday, 29-year-old media student at the corresponding 1st August 2018. They Modern College and a reporter for asked him to put on some clothes and Quds News Network, have went to take his objects he might need. He the site to cover the storming and was not questioned, but rather was clashes which have triggered. He was informed that he was in detention. wearing the press shield and helmet, Within 15 minutes, he was taken and while he and his colleagues were to Hawara military camp, south of at a distance of about 100 meters Nablus. The following day, Thursday, away from the location where the corresponding 2nd August 2018, soldiers were, at the junction leading the Israeli military court “Salem” to Joseph’s Tomb, a number of extended the detention of journalist soldiers approached the journalists Mohammad Muna for a week without and asked them to move away. The disclosing any details to his family. journalists told them that they were On Sunday, 12 August 2018, the doing their job, but few minutes journalist Mohammad Anwar Muna later, the soldiers fired gas bombs, was transferred to administrative causing the journalists to retreat detention for six months in Megiddo a few meters. A soldier came and prison. It is noteworthy that the asked the journalist, Mutasem, to journalist Mohammad Muna was leave the site so that he would not arrested several separated times (5 be harmed, so he replied in Hebrew arrests), the most recent of which that he was doing his job. About was in 2013. three minutes later, the journalist (1st August) The Investigations of the Mutasem was injured by a rubber Ministry of Tourism of the Ministry of bullet in the right thigh, another in Interior in Gaza Strip, on Wednesday, the bottom of his left leg, and a third corresponding 1st August 2018, has in the chest area, but he was wearing prevented the seminar on “The role the shield. For about three hours she of the media in activating the issue stayed in the hospital. At around of Palestinian prisoners”, which was 1:00AM, the journalist was taken to scheduled at Abdullah Al-Hawarni Rafidia Hospital and there he was Center in Gaza City. treated for about three hours. According to the director of (1st August) a force of the Abdullah Al-Hawarni Center, occupation army, on Wednesday Nahed Zaqout, as he stated to dawn, corresponding 1st August MADA researcher, the seminar was 2018, has raided the house of the organized in cooperation with the journalist, Mohammad Anwar Muna, Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (36 years old), located in Zawata/5 and the Commission of Martyrs, kilometers away from east Nablus,

114 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations the Wounded and Prisoners in seminars inside the centers is contrary Fatah movement, in the center, to the Palestinian law, since it is not on Wednesday, corresponding the competent party on the one 1st August 2018, and following hand, and given the absence of legal the distribution of invitations to provisions obligating the organizing participants and attendees, the party to obtain authorization to hold Center received a call from the activities in closed places inside Investigation Department at the centers and institutions. Ministry of Tourism in Gaza, one (3rd August) The journalist, Hiba day before the seminar, (Tuesday, Sami Mohammad Awad, (21 years corresponding 31st July 2018), old) has suffered suffocation while warning to hold the seminar, on the she was covering the events of grounds that no prior authorization the return march, taking place was obtained from the competent east of Khan Younis, on Friday, authorities. This has prompted corresponding 3rd August 2018. Al-Hawarni, at around 9:00 AM, According to the investigations on the following day, (Thursday, conducted by MADA researcher, corresponding 1st August 2018) to Hiba Sami Mohammad Awad, a contact the headquarters of the resident of Khan Younis refugee Investigation Department at the camp, working for the Misk News Ministry of Tourism in Al-Maqusi Network, went to the Khuza’a area, Tower in Gaza City to find out the east of Khan Younis, on Friday, reason for this prevention. He was corresponding 3rd August 2018, informed that the Investigation to cover the peaceful return march Department at the Ministry of organized to take place at the Tourism is the party in charge of separating border since 30 March any event taking place in the hotels 2018. She was wearing the PRESS and that he had to obtain a prior shield and helmet, and at around authorization. When he told them 6:00 PM, while she was filming the that the seminar would be held events that were taking place, which inside the center hall and did not included firing tear gas bombs and require prior authorization as it was bullets at the demonstrators, without not a public act according to the law, event recording any bullet injuries. they told him to transfer it to the At the time, two Israeli military jeeps, tent of prisoners located opposite with small rocket launchers to shoot the Council of Ministers in Gaza City, tear gas bombs installed on their but he refused. tops, stopped in front of them. She Abdullah Al-Hawarni Center used went to photograph a 14-year-old to hold various seminars in the boy holding high the Palestinian center hall for twenty years without flag over the separating fence at the obtaining authorizations or prior opposite side of the soldiers. She authorizations from any party. The approached the fence at a distance center hall is also given to various of 50-70 meters, 20 meters away NGOs to hold workshops without from the demonstrators, and the any financial fees in return. military jeep fired a number of gas The intervention of the Investigation bombs which landed around her, until Department at Ministry of Tourism of she became completely surrounded the Ministry of Interior in preventing with gas bombs, in every direction,

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 115 2018 Details of violations which caused her to suffer severe and handcuffed. And when he suffocation until she could not move. arrived Ofer, he was subjected to a A team of volunteered paramedics thorough search. After about two came and took her to Jakar Street, hours of waiting, he was taken to a located at a distance 300 meters room inside of which there were two away from the fence, where she interrogators. He was questioned for received the necessary first aid. about three hours for the charge of (6th August) The Israeli occupation “incitement” through his work with forces continued to target journalists media outlets in the past. But he in the West Bank. A week after “proved to the interrogators” - as arresting five journalists, the Israeli he said, that his previous arrest was occupation forces arrested Ibrahim triggered by “retaliation” motives Ahed Khalaf/Al-Rantisi, a reporter from the Palestinian journalists and for TRT in Ramallah, after raiding his the attempt of Israeli authorities to house in Rantis village, northwest of charge him with “incitement”. At Ramallah. the end of his interrogation, he was According to the investigations transferred to the Etzion detention conducted by MADA field researcher, center near Bethlehem and arrived and based on the statement of Eman at 8:00 PM. On the following day, Shalash, the wife of the journalist, (corresponding 7th August 2018), Ibrahim Al-Rantisi, an Israeli force he was transferred again to Ofer has raided the house at 2:00AM, Center in Beitunia, Ramallah. He at the dawn of 6th August 2018, was subjected again to another after breaking the main door. They investigation session which has requested the personal identity lasted for two hours. They displayed card of Ibrahim, seized his cell to him videos they captured for the phone, and dragged him outside journalists while covering the events the house. They then took him on taking place at Beit El barrier. He was foot to the main street next to the released on bail of NIS 5,000 and village where the military vehicles was threatened by the investigator were waiting for them, as the family that he will summon his at any time later found out. Three days later after his release. (August 9, 2018), the military court Al-Rantisi, the sixth Palestinian in Ofer decided to release four journalist arrested by the Israeli journalists on the condition that a occupation forces since July 30, as bail of 5,000 shekels has to be paid, they have arrested on July 30, Alaa namely: Mohammad Sami Alwan, Al-Rimawi, the Director of Al-Quds Qutaiba Hamdan, Husni Injas, and TV channel in Beit Rima, northwest the journalist, Ibrahim Al-Rantisi, of Ramallah, and the journalists: who stated to MADA researcher Mohammad Alwan (Ramallah), Husni after he was released ““I was taken Abdeljalil Injas (Kharbatha Bani from the house, handcuffed, and Hareth, west of Ramallah), Qutaiba on foot and was harassed by the Hamdan (Betunia, west of Ramallah) soldiers until we reached Rantis and the journalist, Mohammad Barrier, which is about 5 km from Anwar Muna, the reporter of “Quds the village. It was about 8:00 AM”. Press” International Agency in From there he was transferred to Nablus, after his house was raided Ofer Prison in Betunia, blindfolded in Zawata, west of the city, on 1st

116 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

August, bringing the total number the journalist, Alaa Abdel-Fattah Al- of journalists held in Israeli jails to Namla (35 years old), working for 28; including two patients, seven Al-Quds Media Network, went to the sentenced to actual imprisonment, 5 east of Rafah at about 4:00AM, on administrative detainees and 16 still Friday, corresponding 10th August in interrogation cells. 2018 to cover the return march (9th August) a journalist with Al- organized there. He was wearing Aqsa TV, Yousif Ziad Mohammed the PRESS shield, and carrying in Labad (29years) was injured by his hand a photographic camera. At Israeli planes following the bombing approximately 5:30, the journalist, of Said al-Mishal Cultural Centre Alaa, approached the fence and as he was there to cover the initial stopped, along with two other threats to bomb the center. Based journalists, at a distance of 200 on the center’s field worker in Gaza meters away from the separating Strip investigations; photojournalist fence while the demonstrators where of Al Aqsa TV channel, Yousif Ziad setting in fire the tires and throwing Mohammad Labad (29 years), stones at the soldiers who were firing based in Gaza Strip, headed to Al- live bullets, gas bombs, and smoke Mishal Cultural Center western of bombs at the demonstrators from Gaza at around 17:30 On Thursday place where they were stationed (09/08/2018), after the channel to the other side of the fence. The learned that civilians of the shooting increased by the soldiers neighborhood were informed that as a number of demonstrators tried the IOF are willing to bomb the to approach the fence and become center and all civilians are to evacuate closer, which resulted in injuring a their homes, hence, Yousif headed number of demonstrators. One of to the scene to cover the bombing, them (the volunteer paramedic, afterwards, IOF launched warning Abdullah Al-Qatati) was martyred. missiles in the crowded area, similar The journalist, Alaa Al-Namla then to civilians in the area Yousif moved retreated to a distance of about 400 away from the building, IOF bombed meters away from the fence, and the center, Yousif was injured with at around 7:00, the journalist, Al- shrapnel in his left hand, internal Namla, was injured by a bullet in the bleeding in his ear and bruises in left knee which caused him a minor his shoulder he was immediately wound before injuring his right transferred to the hospital. leg (causing an entry and exit). He immediately fell to the ground and (10th August) Three journalists were a number of volunteer paramedics suffocated and wounded by Israeli provided him with some first aid at occupation bullets during their the medical point established about coverage of a march that took place 700 meters away after he was taken east of Rafah in Gaza Strip on Friday, by an ambulance of the Palestinian corresponding 10th August 2018, as Red Crescent, where he received part of the return marches which more treatment. At around 7:30, he were launched in Gaza Strip on 30 was transferred to Abu Yousef Al- March. Najjar hospital, located to the east According to the investigations of Rafah, where an x-ray was taken conducted by MADA field researcher, for him, and it showed that his injury

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 117 2018 Details of violations was not that serious. He received the other journalists from the West Bank treatment and returned at around were arrested: Lama Khater, Alaa 8:00 to his house. Al-Rimawi, Qutaiba Hamdan, Husni On the same day and the same Injas, Mohammad Muna, Ibrahim place, the freelance photographer, Al-Rantissi and Mohammad Sami Mahmoud Bassam Al-Jamal, (24 Alwan. years old), at around 6:30 PM, According to the investigations was injured by a fragment of a live conducted by MADA researcher, an bullet, in the ear, which caused Israeli occupation force, at dawn, him a head wound, while he was on Wednesday, corresponding 15 covering the events of the march August 2018, has raided the house of at approximately 200 meters away Palestine TV official reporter, Ali Dar, from the border fence where the (34 years old), at Burham village, soldiers were deployed. Immediately, 13 km to the north of Ramallah. the paramedics in the area took him His wife heard a loud knock on the by ambulance to the field medical door of the house which woke her point where he received some aid husband Ali and he went towards and was taken to Abu Yousef Al- the door from the back of the house Najjar Hospital, to which he arrived and opened it after they introduced at around 7:00PM. At the hospital, themselves, loudly, that they are the an x-ray was taken for him, and Israeli army. When he opened the the wound in his ear caused by the door, around fifteen one entered fragment was stitched with four the house. One of them asked him stitches in addition to three stitches to bring his personal identity card, for the wound in his head. After the laptop and the cell phone. about an hour and a half, he was They began to search everything discharged from the hospital. in the house. After twenty minutes At approximately 06:30 on the of searching the house, seizing his same day, and the same place, the cell phone and lab top, the soldiers freelance photographer, Mahmoud handcuffed Ali, arrested him and Mohammad Shata, (25 years old), took him to one of the three patrols was severely suffocated while he was and a military soldiers’ carrier that his covering the events of the march. He wife saw parking in the area. At the fell to the ground and was carried by evening on the day he was arrested, an ambulance of the Palestinian Red the Prisoners’ Affairs Committee Crescent to the field medical point informed Ali’s family that he had where he received the necessary been transferred to Ofer detention first aid for a quarter of an hour. center in Betunia in Ramallah. On the following day, Thursday, (15th August) The Israeli occupation corresponding 16 August, 2018, his forces has continued targeting the detention was extended to question Palestinian journalists in the West him. The court was later postponed Bank, and arrested, on Wednesday, at until 4 September 2018. The Israeli dawn, corresponding 15 August 2018, Army has announced the arrest a the official reported of Palestine TV, Palestinian citizen (the night before) Ali Dar Ali, from his house, located for the charge of incitement against in Burham village, in Ramallah. It is Israel, in reference to the journalist, noteworthy that during July, seven Ali Dar Ali. The spokesperson

118 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations of the Israeli army for the Arab journalists who have been arrested media, Avichay Adraee, claimed in and released recently that the a tweet he published on his Twitter investigation was conducted about account that “under the framework their work and about what they of a large operation last night to publish on social media websites, arrest terrorist activists engaged including any materials or comments in incitement, the Israeli border that may be used against them as forces detained a Palestinian who “inciting” material in many cases. systematically published incitement materials through the social media against Israel and the Israeli army”. He also claimed that “the detained Palestinian has filmed and edited videos for the Israeli Army soldiers during their duty in the field, not to mention that he encouraged violence against them, as well as attacking the Israeli army forces and Israel”. He also stated that “the Israeli Army sees Palestinian TV reporter Ali Dar Ali in the seriousness of such acts, and the Israeli court after being arrested on will work by all means to eliminate charges of inciting Israel the incitement acts in the West (24th August) Three journalists Bank”. It is noted from the army’s suffered suffocation while they were statement that the intended was the covering the peaceful return march reporter of Palestine TV, although on the 22nd Friday … when, in Malka it was not disclosed or mentioned East Gaza. that the detainee was a journalist According to the investigations or a reporter working for Palestine conducted by MADA field researcher, TV, but the official account of the the reporter of Thaqalayn TV, the so-called “The Coordination Unit of journalist, Fatima Jabr Al-Atawna, the (Israeli) Government’s Action” in (38 years old), and her colleague, the the occupied Palestinian territories, photographer working for the same has published explicitly a comment TV, Midhat Adnan Hajjaj, (30 years with the photo of journalist, Dar Ali, old), while they were interviewing which reads “During the night, a one of the field paramedics during number of Palestinians who regularly their coverage of the weekly return incite through the social media were march, at around 6:00M, on Friday, arrested in recent months. Among corresponding 24 August 2018, the detainees was the journalist Ali have suffered suffocation due to Dar Ali from Burham. Words have firing gas bombs by an Israeli drone power, incitement through the social at the demonstrators in the march, media may kill and negatively affect although (Al-Atawna and Hajjaj) stability! Do not be part of this! He where wearing the PRESS shield, incited, therefore he was arrested”. and they were 150-200 meters away This is not the first time that the Israeli from the separating fence where army has arrested journalists or the Israeli soldiers were deployed. activists on charges of “incitement”. They were given the field first aid It is evident from the statements of by the medical staff. On the same

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 119 2018 Details of violations day and place, according to field TV about the kid, Mohammad Abu ambulance staff in the location, the Anza, and the attack against him at journalist, Mahmoud Al-Ajrami, a one of the mosques on 20 August BBC photographer, was also injured 2018, without being charged with by a gas bomb causing a shake in his anything. They heard his statement left hand, although he was treated about what has happened, and he on the ground, it lasted for three informed them that he was assigned days. by the TV office to interview the (25 August) The Palestinian kid and his family and talk about Security Services in Gaza Strip have the attack. Accordingly, they sent summoned four journalists working a photographer and producer to for Palestine TV, a few hours later film the interviews, and he sent the after reporting on TV about some of filmed material to the TV office Hamas members who attacked and in Ramallah, where the entire severely beaten the kid, Mohammad report was finalized. Subsequently, Abu Anza, in one of Khan Younis they asked him to contact the mosques. photographer, Mu’min Mohammad Hashim Al-Shobaki, (42 years old), According to the investigations from Gaza City, and the producer, conducted by MADA field Yousef Mohammad Ahmed Abu researcher, the General Directorate Maghsib, (38 years old), from Deir of Investigation has summoned to Al-Balah, and inform them to come its headquarters in Bani Suhaila to the investigation department east of Khan Yunis, on Saturday, at the police headquarters in the corresponding 25 August 2018, four eastern area. Indeed, they arrived at journalists working for Palestine the headquarter at around 3:30PM TV, upon complaint filed by Hamas, on the same day. Mu’min Al-Shubaki concerning the report broadcasted was interrogated in the same room on Palestine TV which covers where Al-Qudra was present, the attack and severe beating by without intimidation, threatening or Hamas members against the kid, charging. Furthermore, Yousef Abu Mohammad Abu Anza, from Absan, Maghsib was interrogated in another east of Khan Younis. The Director room. After the investigation was of Palestine TV in Gaza Strip, Rafat completed, they were informed that Hammad Abdel Majeed Al-Qudra, a complaint filed by Hamas against (50 years old), from Al-Qarara, Khan the TV office for the charge of Younis, received at about 10:30AM “falsification and fabrication”, based on Saturday, corresponding 25 on the report, and that there is an August 2018, a phone call from a order to detain them but they will person who has introduced himself be released provided they return as one of the investigation police at 8:00 AM the next day, Sunday, officers at the Eastern Area center corresponding 26 August 2018. in Khan Younis, and asked him to Separately, their colleague, the come to the headquarters. Indeed, photographer, Mohammad Samir he responded, and at around 12:30 Salim Al-Agha, (29 years old), from PM, he arrived at the headquarter, Al-Satr Al-Gharbi, Khan Younis, who where he was questioned without works for Palestine TV, has received any threat or intimidation, about a phone call at around 9:00AM on the report televised on Palestine

120 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

Saturday, corresponding 25 August, lawyer of MADA Center in Gaza from a person who identified himself Strip, Ihsan Abu Shrakh, due to the as an officer from the investigation prosecutor’s loud voice when he department, and asked him to asked the journalist Al-Qudra, why come to the headquarters of the they did not get a prior authorization investigation services in the town of for filming, and that the filmed Bani Suhaila east of Khan Yunis. Al- material about the kid Abu Anza Agha informed him that he was “busy must be presented to the regulatory now and will come at noon”. Indeed, authorities before televised. The he actually went there and arrived at prosecutor decided to question Al- the headquarters at around 1:00 PM, Qudra after the altercation, after he where he saw the television director, asked all the staff to leave, including Rafat Al-Qudra, and one of the the lawyer of MADA Center and the police officers told him that he was legal advisor of the TV Office who not wanted. Accordingly, he left the were following up with this case. He headquarters about 10 minutes after remained alone in the office of the his arrival without being subjected prosecutor, and 20 minutes later, the to any interrogation. On Sunday, TV legal advisor was allowed to enter corresponding 26 August 2018, the room. At approximately 11:00AM, upon the request of the investigation the TV director signed his testimony department the previous day, the at the end of the interrogation, staff consisting of Rafat Al-Qudra, as did his colleagues, Yousef Abu Yousuf Abu Maghsib and Mu’min Maghsib and Mu’min Al-Shubaki. At Al-Shubaki, have returned to the around 12:00PM they all left, after police station east of Khan Yunis at the prosecutor told them to come approximately 8:00 AM, where their back on Sunday, corresponding 2nd statements were registered again September 2018 to meet the chief by the police investigators not the prosecutor, who wanted to “know investigation department. After them and drink a cup of coffee with about three hours, they released them”. Al-Qudra replied this has them after they were told that their taken a very long time and it may file will be transferred to the Public cause media escalation. Prosecution, and that they have to The lawyer of MADA Center, Ihsan go there for follow up purposes at Abu Sharakh, has attended the 10:00AM on Tuesday, corresponding interrogation sessions twice, one at 28 August 2018 and that they will Khan Yunis Eastern Police Station on be released on bail. On Tuesday, Sunday, corresponding 26 August the three journalists arrived at Khan 2018, and the second in the Khan Yunis Prosecution Office at around Younis Public Prosecution Office on 9:30AM, accompanied by the legal Tuesday, corresponding 28 August advisor of the TV office, Hazim Abu 2018. He considered what happened Sha’ban. The statements of the to Palestine TV Staff for reporting on entire staff were taken individually the child who was attacked in Absan, by the prosecutor. However, the Khan Younis, on 22 August 2018, TV Director, Rafat Al-Qudra, and has no legal basis, and that it falls the prosecutor in Khan Younis, under the scope of political rivalries Ibrahim Al-Dabbari got into a verbal due to internal division, intimidation altercation, in the presence of the of journalists, and restricting their

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 121 2018 Details of violations journalistic work. He said that it was way. His car was carrying a badge a legal violation when the lawyers of that says PRESS, in both English MADA Center were prevented from and Arabic. While searching for an attending the interrogation session alternative way, he was stopped by in Khan Younis Prosecution Office on an Israeli military vehicle, and one of Tuesday, corresponding 28 August the soldiers informed him that the 2018, not to mention allowing him area was a closed military zone and and the legal advisor, to enter the that he had to take another road, prosecutor’s office only few minutes endangering his life due to the firing later, given that in the room, there of live bullets at his vehicle. On the was the Director of Palestine TV in following morning, corresponding Gaza Strip, Rafat Al-Qudra, without 28 August 2018, the spokesperson again allowing MADA’s lawyer to of the Israeli army for the Arab enter, despite his right to do so, even media, Avichay Adraee, has stated if there is more than one lawyer with “the entry of 750 settlers to Joseph’s him (the accused). Tomb near Balata refugee camp, in (27th August) Joseph’s Tomb, Nablus, to the northern West Bank located near Balata Refugee Camp, was secured, and that troops from east of Nablus, is considered a very the army entered the city of Nablus hot area, as the Israeli frequently in order to secure the entry of the enter this densely populated Jewish worshipers to what they call residential area, claiming to perform Joseph’s Tomb, the clashes erupted religious rituals in the place they and the live bullets were used not consider sacred. The area is usually to mention a Palestinian vehicle was crowded with clashes and attacks suspected” and this appeared to be by soldiers against the Palestinian a sign to shoot the vehicle of the civilians. On 27 August 1988, the journalist, Abu Sabra. journalist, Hafeth Abu Sabra (29 (27th August) Mefuot Arkhu years old) was targeted. Settlement is located to the According to the investigations northwest of Jericho, where the Israeli conducted by MADA researcher, the occupation forces have established a journalist, Hafeth Abu Sabra, (29 military outpost in which the soldiers years old), who works as a reporter are constantly present to protect the for ROYA TV in the West Bank, on neighboring settlements. One settler, his way to his house in Nablus, at called Aumar, has seized more 11:18 PM, on Monday, corresponding than 500 dunums of Palestinian 27 August 2018, in the main street, land and planted them with palms, next to Nablus Municipality building, pomegranates and olives. This settler in the direction of Al-Quds Street spread a state of terror in the area, junction, Balata refugee camp, and he was shooting the shepherds where Joseph’s Tomb is located, to intimidate them, he even killed was surprised by a force of about a number of the sheep owned by ten soldiers from the Israeli army, Bedouin families living in the area. where they started firing live bullets According to the investigations towards his car without causing any conducted by MADA field researcher, material or physical harm, forcing Palestine TV staff, consisting of: him to quickly turn around and the journalist, Ahmad Abdelmalek return to search for an alternative Ibrahim Sjawer, the journalist

122 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

Mohammad Mahmoud Hassan grabbed him by his hand and asked Enaya, the journalist Omar Ahmad him to get up, and he did. She took Abu Awad, the journalist Watan him away from his colleagues and Bassam Balas, and the drivers, put him under the sun, and said “you Samer Asad Abu Salman and can sit here and talk all you want”. Ayman Mohammad Harash, went on Abu Awad did not know how long he Monday, corresponding 27 August remained under the burning sunlight, 2018, to the Bedouin gathering but he said, “When I felt a pain in of the Zayed family northwest of the head, I spoke and said that my Jericho, to film a new episode of head hurts me. One of the soldiers “Not a neighbor” show. After they replied that he was a paramedic and completed filming the episode, an said to me: “Drink some water”, and Israeli military patrol consisting of when he drank some water he felt a three soldiers and an officer called severe headache and lay down on Sophie, have detained the staff and the ground. When the soldiers saw seized their cell phones, deleted him lying on the ground, a female all the filmed materials from their soldier came and said to him: “Hey! cameras and took the keys of their Good Morning, the punishment is vehicles belonging to the Palestinian over, come on! Get up”. She took him Broadcasting Corporation. This to his colleagues and sat with him, detention lasted for more than two he asked again “Who’s here?”, his hours and took place in Al Mu’Rajat colleague Ayman Harsh answered Street, before the Israeli officer called “I’m here Omar, and we are all here another military force including four fine”, Abu Awad replied that he was female soldiers. They handcuffed tired and wanted some water. One and blindfolded all of the TV staff of the soldiers brought water and and took them in a military jeep to chocolate sandwiches to all the staff the military outpost located near except for Abu Awad because he the Bedouin gathering. It should be was unable to eat anything due to noted that this is the closest military the severe pain he felt in his head. At outpost to the region, and their around 7:12 PM (the staff members transfer to the mentioned outpost heard the Maghreb prayers” and they did not take time but few minutes were still in detention. Abu Awad then according to the staff members. lost his ability to move or talk due to At around 02:30PM, the TV staff the fatigue and exhaustion he felt. members were handed over to the At that moment, Ayman Harsh said Israeli camp blindfolded. One of the to the occupation soldier “What did soldiers told them that “it is now you do to him? take off my blindfold, 02:30 and you will be released within I want to see Omar”. An argument an hour”. Then journalist Omar Abu was heated between Harsh and the Awad asked the rest of his colleagues soldiers. The soldiers released the whether they were all there with him entire staff except for Abu Awad, in the place, and everyone answered who was mentally conscious but yes. At that exact moment, a female unable to move and talk. A brown- soldier asked him to be quiet, and skinned female soldier removed the Abu Awad answered that he will not blindfold from his eyes as well as the be quiet until he makes sure that his handcuffs. He was unable to move, colleagues in the staff are all fine. She talk, or even see well even though

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 123 2018 Details of violations he was fully aware of what was of Palestinian journalists, especially happening around him. The Israeli photographers who work in the soldiers put a needle in his left hand field and cover the attacks against to enter the fluids to his body and the Palestinians, their property provide him with the first aid. One and lands, the occupation forces of the soldiers addressed him saying have arrested the photographer “Do you want us to take you to your of the Palestinian news agency home to see your children? Come “Wafa”, Bahaa Nasr, not to mention on! Wake up! Because we cannot attacking other journalists during take like this”. He continued talking their coverage of the resistance to him, but Abu Awad could not of Ras Karkar population to the stand up or talk. The soldiers took levelling operations conducted for him by ambulance from the camp to establishing settlements which the main street, which is about 700 the settlers began to implemented meters away. His colleagues were above the territories of the village. waiting for him. A Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance was in the area, but the soldiers refused to hand over Abu Awad to the Palestinian medical staff, and asked them to wait until the Israeli medical staff comes and check his condition. However, the Palestinian official paramedic refused to wait since Abu Awad’s condition was serious and the oxygen content in his body did Wafa news agency photographer Bahaa not exceed 60% which is why he had Nasr was attacked by a soldier from the to be transferred to the hospital as Israeli Border Guard unit in the village of soon as possible, according to the Ras Karkar west of Ramallah paramedic, Ahmed Al-Alami, of the According to the investigations Palestinian Red Crescent Society. conducted by MADA field researcher, Abu Awad was taken to Jericho at around 13:33 PM, on 28 August Governmental Hospital and he 2018, and while the population of remained in a complete coma for two Ras Karkar, located to the west of days according to medical reports. Ramallah, were trying to resist the He received the initial treatment at Israelli bulldozers which were building Jericho Governmental Hospital on a street for the settlements, in the the first day without any signs of area of “Al-Risan” Mountain located improvement. On the following day, to the west of the village. The Israeli he was transferred to Istishari Awab occupation forces attacked a number Hospital in Ramallah, and according of journalists and photographers: to the medical reports, Abu Awad Hisham Abu Shaqra, Anatolia was suffering from lack of vision, Agency photographer, the freelance severe mineral deficiency, a severe photographer, Abdel Rahman sunstroke and severe dryness as a Younis, and Palestine TV staff, which result of being detained under the included the reporter Khalid Mutawe, direct sunlight. and the photographer Mohammad Al-Arouri, not to mention attacking (28th August) Within the targeting

124 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations the photographer of Al-Hayat Al- his eyes so he did not know where Jadida newspaper, Issam Al-Rimawi, he was. Halfway, while he was being the photojournalist, Mohammad transferred as a detainee, he began Turkman, with beating, pushing and screaming from the severe pain he forcing them to leave the site as well felt in his foot due to sitting in a as obstructing their work. A soldier difficult position. One of the soldiers from the Israeli Border Police has slapped him on the face and asked pushed the photographer of the him to be quiet. He was taken to Palestinian news agency WAFA, Benjamin Investigation Center and Bahaa Mohammad Mahmoud Nasr, when he was removed from the (34 years old), and asked the other military jeep, hey pulled his feet, but soldiers to help in arresting him. he did not feel them as a result of A number of soldiers have beaten the severe pain, while the soldiers the photographer Mohammad Nasr were laughing and cursing. Then his and dragged him on the ground, handcuffs were changed and he was took his cameras and beaten him taken to the hall of the investigation all over his body. They then tied his center accompanied by two soldiers, hands behind his back and threw where he stayed for about an hour him on the ground under the sun and a half, until a police officer asked for more than two hours, in the him, “Why did you hit the soldiers”. area where he was arrested by a He then asked him what had military vehicle and taken to an happened to him. Nasr told him that unknown location. After six hours of while he was filming he informed the detention, the photographer, Bahaa officer that he was a journalist and Nasr, was released. Later, he stated would leave the place but the officer to MADA researcher that he was in the army got angry and attacked subject to torture and humiliation him with a number of soldiers. by the occupation soldiers while About an hour later, the same officer he was detained under the sunlight (investigator) returned and asked for more than two hours. He stated him the same question. Nasr told him “I remained under the sun for more that he was filming a video, and that than two hours before they took me he could see if anything of what the in the jeep, I remained for fifteen soldiers have claimed was true. They minutes lying on the ground on my informed him that he will be handed stomach, then they searched me over to the DCO. Then another officer and took me in the jeep. They hit my came, took some information from head inside the vehicle and took me his personal card, and registered the with two other detainees (from the same on a laptop that he had. After demonstrators). This is in addition to about six hours of detention, the the profanity and threatening with soldiers transferred the journalist imprisonment”. At about 1:00PM, Nasr from “Benjamin” investigation some officers arrived and had a center to the settlement of “Beit discussion with the soldiers and El” located in Al-Bireh - specifically decided to arrest him. He was taken to the liaison department where he with his cameras and his stuff. They was handed over to the Palestinian forced him to enter the jeep and sit liaison department. in a very difficult position with his (31st August) On Friday, head down. He was forced to close corresponding 31st August 2018,

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 125 2018 Details of violations six journalists suffered severe should be noted that the soldier who suffocation after they were targeted told him that was wearing the dark by the occupation soldiers with gas green uniform that is known as the bombs while they were covering uniform of the “Israeli Border Police” a peaceful protest organized by forces, and the word “Makaf” was the population of several villages written in Arabic on his military shirt. in Ramallah against a settlement Few minutes later, at around 1:10, project that is targeting their lands, the reporter of Al-Arabiya TV, Abdul even though they were all dressed as Hafiz Zuhair Jawan, (38 years old), journalists. and the photographer, Salem Nasr According to the investigations Hamdan (39 years old) were both conducted by MADA field targeted while they were reporting researcher, on 27 August 2018, the to the TV with more than ten gas occupation army has submitted to bombs, even though they were far the population of Ras Karkar, to the away from the soldiers deployed west of Ramallah, a military decision at Al-Risan Mountain between stating that “Al-Risan” Mountain Kharbatha and Ras Karkar. During owned by the population of Ras the clashes which were taking place Karkar, Kharbatha Bani Hareth, and 70 meters away, the reporter, Abdul Kufr Neima, is a military closed Hafiz, suffered severe suffocation zone, to which the Palestinians and fell to the ground because he are prohibited to have access, as could not put on the muzzle. He was a result of the protests against the given the field first aid through the settlement project implemented by Palestinian Red Crescent Medical the occupation authorities in that staff at the site. Moreover, Al-Ghad TV area to build a settlement road. On photographer, Munther Mohammad Friday, corresponding 31 August Shihada Al-Khateeb, has suffered 2018, hundreds of villagers from suffocation after he was targeted Ras Karkar, Kharbatha Bani Hareth, with tear gas bombs while he was and Kufr Neima, have gathered and filming the events at a distance of 70 prayed above the lands targeted meters away from the clashes. This is by the settlers and the occupations in addition to the reporter of Baladna forces. Moreover, several journalists Radio, of MAAN News Agency, the went to the site to cover what was journalist, Safiya Omar Qowar, (32 taking place (especially since other years old), who suffered suffocation protests were organized in the more than once while she was previous days there). Following the covering the clashes taking place end of the Midday Prayers at around on Al-Risan Mountain. She stated 1:00PM, clashes broke out between “I was wearing a phosphoric vest, dozens of Palestinians and the marked with PRESS in Arabic and Israeli soldiers. While the journalists English, and while I was approaching were covering these clashes, one the clashes, the occupation soldiers of the soldiers has threatened, heavily fired gas bombs. After that, I Ethar Ibrahim Abu Ghraibah, the could not breath, one of the young photographer of Al-Araby TV, (35 men helped me out and pulled me years old) and asked him to stay to another area, where the Red away from the area, otherwise “he Crescent medical staff provided me will be treated in another manner”. It with the first aid. I stayed for about

126 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

15 minutes sitting on the ground and was found that there was a fracture could not complete my work”. in his left knee, and that he needs a (31st August) The photojournalist surgery. But he had to wait for an of “Rowad Al-Haqiqa” Network, hour due to the preoccupation of the Mohammad Samih Hassan Abu only operations room in the hospital. Sultan, (24 years old) was injured by This caused the bleeding to start a gunshot in his knee while he was again and he was given four blood covering the events of the weekly units. He went to the operating room return march. and underwent an operation that has lasted for about one hour. The According to the investigations fracture was set in and the wound conducted by MADA field researcher, was dressed. On the following day, the photojournalist of Rowad Al- the bleeding started again and he Haqiqa Network, Mohammad needed two blood units. Abu Sultan Samih Hassan Abu Sultan, (24 years remained in the hospital until the old), at around 4:00PM, on Friday, present report was prepared on 2 corresponding 31 August 2018, was September 2018. with his colleagues from the Network inside the tent of the journalists September located 500 meters away from the (2nd September) The Public separating fence, waiting for the Prosecution Office in Khan Younes, march to begin. At around 5:00PM, located to the north of Gaza he approached the separating fence Strip, has again summoned the area and stopped at a distance of director of Palestine TV in Gaza 50 meters away, near the gathering Strip, the journalist, Rafat Hammad of the demonstrators who started Abdelmajeed Al-Qidra (50 years old), setting in fire rubber tires, while to complete his questioning, against the soldiers on the other side of the backdrop of broadcasting a the fence where firing bullets and report on 22nd August 2018 about a gas bombs at the demonstrators. child named Mohammad Abu Anza While he was taking photos for the from Absan, who was extremely demonstrators, he was injured at beaten by some of Hamas members around 5:15PM, with a gunshot in his in Gaza Strip, at one of the mosques. left knee causing “an entry and exit”, According to the investigations of and immediately fell to the ground. A MADA field researcher, the Public number of volunteered paramedics Prosecution Office in Khan Younes, approached him and provided him north of Gaza Strip, has summoned with the first aid by dressing the again Palestine TV Director in Gaza, injury to stop the bleeding. He was the journalist, Rafat Rafat Hammad then transferred with an ambulance Abdelmajeed Al-Qidra, (50 years for the Palestinian Ministry of Health old), from Al-Qarara area in Khan to the medical point established 700 Younis, on Sunday, corresponding meters to the west of the separating 2nd September 2018, to complete his fence. He arrived at 5:30PM, and questioning, against the backdrop received more necessary aid. Five of broadcasting a report on 22nd minutes later, he was taken by an August 2018 about a child named ambulance to Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Mohammad Abu Anza, from Absan, Hospital, in Rafah. He arrived the at who was extremely beaten by some hospital at around 6:00PM, where it

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 127 2018 Details of violations of Hamas members at one of the September 2018. Abu Maghsib mosques. This was followed by filing went along with the Adviser to the a complaint by Hamas against the TV prosecutor’s office, and he was Office accusing it of counterfeiting questioned in the presence of Abu and fabrication. Based on this Anza’s father (the child who was complaint, Palestine TV Director was assaulted). The prosecutor asked prosecuted as well as some of the him whether he has introduced staff members at the office. This has himself as a journalist to the child’s happened again on 2nd September father and whether he showed his 2018 as Rafat Al-Qidra has arrived Palestine TV Card. He replied that to Khan Younes Prosecution Office he contacted the child’s father on alone at around 10:00AM on that phone, and arrived to a mosque day. Upon the request of the public close to his place of residence. He prosecutor, Ibrahim Dabari, who has sent two persons to his house to asked him in a former questioning take him and interviewed him/the session that took place on Tuesday, TV logo was very visible on the corresponding 28 August 2018, to microphone. The prosecutor asked come and see him again in person the child’s father whether he could (for a cup of coffee), along with recognize the journalist’s face or not, the producer, Yousef Abu Maghsib, but he answered “No”, justifying that and the photographer, Momen he could not remember very well, Al-Shobaki, who have attended since so many people have come with him three questionings, at to his house after the incident of his the police, the public prosecution son. He was not in a state where he office, and the general investigation could focus, he declared that the department. When Al-Qidra arrived TV staff has interviewed him about to Khan Younes Prosecution Office, the incident, and the questioning he waited for half an hour outside ended with this. The prosecutor the prosecutor’s office, until he asked the presence of the journalist, was allowed to enter the office, he Momen Al-Shobaki, on the following stayed for five minutes without day, corresponding 4 September any questioning, but he was asked 2018, and they left at 10:20AM. The about his colleagues, Momen and journalist, Al-Shobaki did not come Yousef, and why they did not show on the following day due to family up with him. He replied that they circumstances, until the end of were at work and that he expected September, and he was summoned the entire relevant matter was again. Through its researcher in Khan about to end, which is why he came Younes, and lawyer in Gaza Strip, alone. The prosecutor asked him to Ihsan Abu Sharkh, MADA Center has inform Yousef to come on Monday, followed up with the TV staff that corresponding 3rd September 2018. was summoned to be questioned, He left at 10:35AM, and informed as it was summoned three times by his colleagues, Yousef Mohammad the General Administration of the Abu Maghsib (38 years old), from Investigation, Police and the Public Der Al-Balah, to go to Khan Younes Prosecution, and the statements of Prosecution Office, along with the the journalists were taken. Legal Adviser of the TV, Hazem (4th September) Near Ofer Prison Abu Shaban, at 10:00AM, on 3rd located in Betunia/seven kilometers

128 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations away from Ramallah city center, ten minutes later, the Israeli soldiers the Palestinians frequently organize began throwing sound bombs and protests and demonstrations against tear gas bombs at the protesters the Israeli occupation practices, which led to the injury of the especially that the Prison includes a Anatolia Agency photographer, military court (Ofer Court) where the Hisham Kamel Abu Shaqra, (29 trail sessions are held for Palestinian years old), with severe suffocation. detainees before being detained Furthermore, the journalist, and arrested in Ofer Prison or other Loren Tareq Zeidan, (30 years Israeli prisons. old), who works for WAFA News On the same day (4th September Agency, has suffered suffocation 2018), the occupation forces have and received necessary field aid. suppressed a peaceful sit-in of This is in addition to Palestine TV journalists by gas bombs and sound reporter, the journalist, Maysa Ayed bombs which led to the injury of six Ayad, (28 years old), who stated female and male journalists at least “the soldiers have suppressed the with severe suffocation. peaceful sit-in of journalists and attacked them with suffocating gas According to MADA field researcher, bombs even though there were no the Journalists Syndicate and clashes in the area”. Moreover, the the Palestinian Broadcasting photographer of Palestine TV, Oday Corporation have called to organize Nimr Harbeyat, (28 years old), and a stand in solidarity in front of Ofer Palestine Today TV reporter, Jihad Prison, at 11:00AM, on Monday, Barakat, (29 years old), have stated corresponding 4 September 2018, that the intensive shooting of gas in conjunction with holding a trial bombs at the protesters has pushed session for Palestine TV reporter, them to move back and prevented the journalist, Ali Dar Ali, who them from covering the event. The was arrested by the Occupation photographer of Al-Hayat Al-Jadida Army from his house located in Newspaper, Issam Al-Rimawi, (35 Burham, Ramallah, at dawn, on 15 years old), has stated that he has August 2018 for incitement through suffered suffocation and that “the the social media. More than 30 army knew he was a journalist of the journalists and the staff standing in the peaceful sit-and of Palestinian Broadcasting ,covering what was happening فاث Corporation have responded to the especially that there were no sit-in and attended it in front of clashes, but the soldiers suppressed Ofer Prison and Court, where they the journalists and dispersed them raised the Palestinian flags and the at around 11:50”. photographs of the journalist, Ali Dar Ali. At 11:25, around eight soldiers (5th September) Some Palestinian of the Israeli Border Police and two intelligence officers have arrested military vehicles of the occupation Mohammad Saed Khalil Jahaysha, soldiers have approached the metal (32 years old), the presenter of gate of Ofer Prison and Camp. One Marah Radio in Hebron and the of the soldiers addressed those in reporter of Arab Weekly Newspaper, the sit-in in Arabic and threatened on the morning of 5 September them with the use of force if they 2018, in front of his house in Hebron. do not leave the place. Less than Jahaysha stated to MADA “the

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 129 2018 Details of violations intelligence services has called me by wearing the Press shield and was phone on 29 August 2018, but I did taking photos of the demonstrators not respond, and at 09:20AM on 5 who started setting the rubber tires September 2018, after I left my house, in fire, while the soldiers were firing I saw four persons in civil clothing gunshots and gas bombs at them. standing in front of the house and After around one hour, (06:15PM), they immediately approached and he was injured by a gunshot in arrested me. They took me to the the anterior part of his left thigh intelligence services headquarters “causing an entry and exit”, he fell to in Hebron. When I arrived, I was the ground, and three minutes later, surprised that the matter was related some volunteer paramedics took to a dream (an actual dream I saw in him in the ambulance to the medical my sleep) and published it as a post point established 700 meters away on my Facebook page. The post was from the separating fence. He stayed as follows/I dreamt that the National there for 40 minutes where he Security has placed artillery near received the first aid and treatment. Bab al-Zawiyya, and fired missiles at Then he was taken to Abu Yousef the settlers/. The officer asked me An-Najar Hospital, where he arrived about the first time I was summoned at 7:30. In the hospital, he was and did not respond, and I replied imaged, and his wound was stitched that the summons was illegal. Most ten stitches. Fifteen minutes later, he of the questions were about the started bleeding and was two blood dream. The officer said to me /not units. all dreams have to be posted or (10th September) the photojournalist published/. In general, they were of Al-Manara Agency, Attia Nassir respectful with me, and they took Ahmad Hijazi, (28 years old) was me back home after about an hour injured by a gunshot above the knee and a half, at around 11:00AM”. (causing an entry and exit) and by (7th September) The photographer fragments in his knee, while he was of Safad Press Website, Mahmoud covering a demonstration organized Mohammad Saed Shatta, (25 years at Zikim Beach, northwest of Beit old), from Rafah, south of Gaza Lahia, to the north of Gaza Strip as Strip, was injured by a gunshot in part of the return peaceful marches his thigh while he was covering a which first erupted in Gaza Strip in demonstration east of Rafah. March. According to the investigations According to the investigations of MADA field researcher, the of MADA field researcher, the photographer, Mahmoud Mohammad photographer, Hijazi, arrived at Shatta, went along with some of his 6:00PM, on Monday, corresponding coworkers, at around 4:00PM, on 7 10 September 2018, to Zikim Beach, September 2018, to one of the tents to the north of Beit Lahia, to cover a set up east of Rafah, around 500 demonstration organized as part of meters away from the separating the return peaceful marches. While fence, waiting the events of Friday he was standing on the beach at a to begin. At around 5:00PM, Shatta distance of 200 meters away from approached the fence and stopped the separating fence where the Israeli at a distance of 50 meters against soldiers were stationed, wearing the an Israeli military tower. He was Press uniform, he was injured by a

130 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations bullet (that caused an entry and exit) from the separating fence, he was above his right knee. He was also injured by a gunshot in his foot. He injured by a gunshot fragment in his was taken by the paramedics in the knee which the doctors refused to ambulance to the medical tent of remove as it lodged in a very serious the Ministry of Health pitched in that part. The moment he arrived, he area. When he arrived, it was found was taken by the paramedics to the that he was injured by an explosive closest medical point established in bullet which shattered the bone of the area. He was given the first aid, his foot. Fragments from the same and transferred by an ambulance to bullet have injured his left foot, and the Indonesian Hospital, to the north fractured his big toe, not to mention of Gaza Strip, where he received the that another fragment went through necessary treatment and his wound his other foot. Around twenty was dressed. He was discharged minutes after he received the first on the same day due to the great aid in the medical tent, he was taken number of injuries which exceeded at around 6:30 in the ambulance to the capacity of the hospital. During Nasser Medical Complex, to the west the night, his wound started of Khan Younes. When he arrived, bleeding, and as a result, he went he was admitted in the Operating to Al-Karama Hospital (a private Room, his wound was cleaned and hospital), where his wound was more first aid was given to him at cleaned, stitched, and dressed again. around 9:00PM. He was discharged His foot was wrapped, and he left at 12:00 midnight after he underwent the hospital even though he needed an operation of reassembling the a surgery to remove the fragment bone in his right foot operated that lodged in the joint of his right by a medical team, chaired by Dr. knee. Abdelrahman Al-Farra. A platinum (14th September) The freelance plate was inserted in his foot, and his photographer, Bilal Loay Abdelaziz feet were placed in casts. He stayed Al-Abadsa, was injured by a gunshot in the hospital until Wednesday, in his right foot and by a fragment in corresponding 19 September 2018, his left foot, while he was covering a but he continued to follow up with demonstration as part of the return the hospital. marches taking place in Khuza’a, east (14th September) According to the of Khan Younes, on 14 September investigations conducted by MADA 2018. field researcher, the photographer According to the investigations of the Chinese News Agency, conducted by MADA researcher, the Shafiq Taher Ishtaya, (49 years freelance photographer, Bilal Loay old), on Friday, corresponding Abdelaziz Al-Abadsa, (23 years old), 14th September 2018, was in Kafr from Al-Amal Camp in Khan Younes, Qaddum to cover the protests. has arrived at around 4:00PM, on When the families launched the Friday, corresponding 14 September usual march after Friday prayer in 2018, to east of Khuza’a, to cover a the town’s mosque, towards the demonstration taking place there. closed gate separating Kafr Qaddum At around 6:10PM, and while he was fom Kedumim settlement, at around taking pictures of the demonstrators 1:15PM, clashes erupted in the main at a distance of 50 meters away street of the town, and about eight

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 131 2018 Details of violations or nine Israeli soldiers started firing Amour, (23 years old), and the gas bombs, tear gas bombs, and freelance photographer, Imad Issa rubber bullets at the demonstrators Jabareen, (38 years old), while they who in turn were throwing stones went to the city on the evening of at them. While the journalists were 15 September 2018. Amour stated visible by the Israeli occupation to MADA “me, and my coworker, the soldiers, far from the demonstrators, freelance photographer, Imad Issa the journalist Ishtaya was standing Jabareen, at around 6:30PM, went with three coworkers, all wearing to Hebron, when we arrived the the press uniform and the helmet. entrance of Ras Al Jora, there was They were about 10 meters to the a barrier by the occupation army. right side of the soldiers, while They stopped our vehicle out of all the demonstrators were on the the vehicles on the barrier. They held other side of the street at a similar us for half an hour inside the vehicle distance. However, the journalists, after they seized our personal demonstrators and soldiers were identity cards. After that, they asked standing in the shape of a triangle my coworker, Imad, to step out of the and they were watching each other. vehicle and searched him thoroughly. At about 2:00 PM (half an hour They forced him to lift his shirt several after the demonstration began), times to search underneath it. He was and while Ishtaya was filming the forced to stand for half an hour. Then demonstrators and soldiers, he was they asked me to step out of the injured by a rubber bullet in the chest. vehicle and searched me in the same However, since he was wearing the manner. I was held for fifteen minutes press shield, he was slightly injured outside the vehicle. After that, the (trauma and minor wound). Right soldier told us that they were waiting after his injury, he shouted to the the completion of checking our soldiers that he was a journalist; his names with the Intelligence Services coworkers gathered around him ten which lasted until 8:30PM, then they minutes later and took him to the released us”. ambulance away from the clashes (15th September) On 15 September where he received field treatment. 2018, one of the Israeli Special It is worth to mention that almost Units members has attacked the since seven years ago, Kafr Qaddum photographer of Alarz Production town, located 16 km to the west of Company, the journalist, Mohammad Nablus, has been witnessing weekly Shukri Akram Asho, (32 years old), rallies (every Friday) protesting while he was covering the ongoing against settlements and the closure sit-in at Al-Khan Al-Ahmar, the town of the town street by the Israeli army threatened with demolition and 15 years ago for the favor of the population deportation. settlers living in Kedumim settlement According to the investigations of established in Kafr Qaddum lands MADA researcher, the protesters which attracts the attention of the at Al-Khan Al-Ahmar, against media constantly. which Israel has issued a decision (15th September) the Israeli of demolition and population Occupation soldiers have detained deportation have attempted on a volunteer who works for Quds 15 September 2018 to get in the Net Network, named Omar Ahmad way of the Israeli bulldozers, with

132 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations their bodies, to prevent them from the Algerian Hospital in Abasan destroying the town within the Al-Kabira, where he stayed for two preparations of Israel to execute hours and received the necessary the demolition decision. The treatment at the Emergency photographer of Alarz Production Reception Ward. It was found Company, which provides media through a CT scan taken for his hand services to several TVs, including in the hospital that a fragment has Palestine TV, Mohammad Shukri lodged in his injured index finger. He Akram Asho, (32 years old from was discharged at 12:00 midnight, Jerusalem), was at Al-Khan Al- and the doctors advised him to Ahmar to cover the events, and follow up with his condition on 25 while he was filming the attempt of September 2018. some protesters to get in the way (18th September) The Israeli of the Israeli bulldozers with their Occupation police has called bodies, he was attacked, beaten, the journalist, Diala Jwehan, and and pushed by an Israeli police from questioned her claiming that she the special units which caused him obstructed the police work, while bruises in his hand not to mention the later has prevented a number crashing the viewfinder. He was also of journalists to cover the invasion chased by other police officers to of Al-Aqsa mosque by hundreds of keep him away from the location and settlers on the Sukkot Day (Feast prevent him from covering the event. of Tabernacles) corresponding 18 (16th September) The photographer September 2018. of Sawt Al-Ribat Radio, Mazin According to the investigations Sulaiman Mahmoud Qudaih, (25 of MADA field researcher, and years old), from Abasan Al-Kabira in conjunction with the “Feast town, east of Khan Younes, to the of Tabernacles”, corresponding south of Gaza Strip, was injured by a 18 September 2018, hundreds of gunshot fragment. settlers invaded the squares of According to the investigations of Al-Aqsa Mosque from the Dung MADA researcher, the photographer, Gate (Mughrabi Gate) with tight Qudaih, at around 9:00PM, on 16th police guard, which obstructed September 2018, arrived to east the entrance of the Islamic Waqf of KhanYounes, to cover some Department staff to the mosque, and events there, where dozens of prevented journalists from covering demonstrators (around eighty) were the settlers’ violations. Furthermore, letting off fireworks at the separating the journalist, Diala Nayef Jwehan, fence where the Israeli soldiers were the reporter of Al-Hayat Al-Jadida deployed. At around 9:40PM, he Newspaper received summons for received a phone call from the radio, questioning at Al-Kashla Center in and while he was on the phone a Hebron. Indeed, Jwehan went at gunshot was fired at him and the 9:00AM, on the following morning, fragment hit his phone while he corresponding 19 September 2018 was holding it to his ear. His index to Al-Kashla Police Center where she finger in the left hand was injured. was detained for six hours and a half Immediately after that, Qudaih (from 9:00AM until 3:30PM) claiming was transferred by an ambulance that she has “disrupted the public of the Palestinian Red Crescent to order and obstructed the police

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 133 2018 Details of violations work”. However, Jwehan denied the one of them fired gas bomb at him claim. She explained that she was and injured him in the left side of his doing her job and she showed her head, even though he was wearing press card to the police officer to be the Press uniform. The injury caused allowed to film the event. But he took him severe bleeding. The blood her card and threw it on the ground, stained his clothes and he fell to the and addressed her saying “beat ground, then he was taken by some it” (in other words, he expelled her paramedics in the ambulance to stop from the place). After completing the bleeding, and he was taken to the the investigation, the fingerprints nearest hospital, Al-Awda Hospital, of Diala Jwehan were collected and where his wound was stitched with she was released after they checked 6 stitches. The check-ups and blood the security camera tapes which tests were made to him, and after he confirmed Jwehan’s version of the received the necessary treatment, he story. was discharged from the hospital on (19th September) The photographer the same day. However, he continued of the Turkish Agency (HIA), Thaer to develop headache, dizziness and Khaled Fahmi Abu Rayash, (24 years poor vision in his left eye. He was old), was injured by a gas bomb in his advised to review his condition three head, fired by one of the occupation days later (on Sunday, corresponding soldiers while he was covering a 23 September 2018). demonstration taking place east of (21st September) In the past few Gaza Strip, on the afternoon of 19 weeks, a number of journalists were September 2018. injured while they were covering According to MADA field researcher, protest marches organized by the Turkish Agency photographer, villagers in West Ramallah (Ras Thaer Khaled Fahmi Abu Rayash, (24 Karkar, Kharbatha Bani Harith, years old), from Beit Lahia, located Kafr Ni’ma) to protest against the to the north of Gaza Strip, has confiscation of Al-Risan Mountain arrived around 5:15PM, on Tuesday, lands by the Israeli occupation corresponding 19 September 2018, to authorities for the purpose of Beit Hanoun Barrier “Erez Crossing” establishing a new settlement in that to cover a demonstration under the area. title “together towards protecting According to the investigation of the rights of refugees and breaking MADA field researcher, the villagers the siege”, called for by the Supreme in West Ramallah have organized Committee for the Return Marches a demonstration to take place on and Breaking the Siege in Gaza Strip, Friday, corresponding 21 September to protest against the decisions of the 2018, after the Friday prayers, near American Administration concerning the confiscated lands of AlRisan the refugees and Jerusalem. Mountain by the settlers. Clashes Hundreds of demonstrators came to broke out with the Israeli soldiers, participate in the event. The soldiers during which the Iranian TV reporter began firing gunshots and fire gas and photographer, Khaled Ali bombs at them. While Abu Rayash Sabarneh (47 years old), was injured was taking some pictures of the by a rubber-coated metal bullet in demonstrators at a distance of 500 the right leg, while he was covering meters away from the Israeli soldiers, the clashes. It should be noted that

134 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations the moment he was injured, he was Palestinians and the occupation at a distance of 40-50 meters away soldiers stationed on the other from the soldiers who fired the bullet side of the separating fence. The at him directly and deliberately. It occupation soldiers fired the live was very visible and clear to them and explosive bullets randomly that he was a journalist. He was and heavily which resulted in given the first aid and transferred injuring Anas by an explosive bullet by an ambulance the moment he fragment through his abdomen. The was injured. Then he drove his car to remaining fragments of the bullet Ramallah Medical Complex where he scattered to injure another number received more treatment and left the of demonstrators. The camera was hospital after he stayed for one hour also damaged after falling to the as it was found that he had bruises ground. He was given the field first only. aid and taken in an ambulance of It is worth to mention that in the the Palestinian Red Crescent to same site, on 4 September 2018, the Indonesian Hospital where he three other journalists were injured, stayed for an hour and a half until he namely: the photographer of the received the necessary treatment. French Press Agency AFP, Abbas (22nd September) The photographer Al-Momani, the photographer of of Nour News Network and Palestine Anatolia News Agency, Issam Al- Breaking News Network (two local Rimawi, and a French photographer platforms on the social media), were injured similarly by rubber- Akram Ramadan Anas Shaber coated bullets fired by the Israeli (19 years old), from Khan Younes, soldiers while covering clashes in south of Gaza Strip, was injured Ras Karkar. These journalists have by an explosive gunshot in both stated that the soldiers deliberately his thighs, while he was covering fired the bullets at them. a demonstration on Sunday, (22nd September) The photographer corresponding 22nd September of Shamal Online Network, and 2018, near the security fence in Khan Al-Aqsa TV Facebook Page, Anas Younes. Jamal Mahmoud Al-Sharif, (22 years According to the investigations of old), from Abu Safia, east of Jabalia, MADA researcher, at around 7:15PM, was injured by an explosive bullet in on Sunday, corresponding 22nd the abdomen while he was covering September 2018, Shaber has arrived events east of Jabalia at around to the border fence in Khuza’a, 9:30PM, on Saturday, corresponding east of Khan Younes, where about 22nd September 2018. eighty demonstrators were letting According to the investigations off fireworks at the border fence of MADA field researcher, the where the Israeli soldiers stationed. photographer Anas Jamal Mahmoud At around 10:30PM, a number of Al-Sharif, (22 years old), at around demonstrators approached the 9:30PM, on Saturday, corresponding separating fence and sat the tires on 22nd September 2018, was in east fire. The demonstrators continued to Jabalia, at a distance of 500 meters shoot fireworks in the air. At around away from the separating fence 11:30PM, Shaber was injured with an to cover the clashes between the explosive bullet that wounded both of his thighs (the left and the right).

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 135 2018 Details of violations

He was transferred to the European Agency, Montaser Mustafa Husni Hospital in Khan Younes where he Al-Sawaf (28 years old), from underwent a surgery from 12:00 Gaza, around ten minutes after he midnight until 2:30AM. A platinum arrived and started covering the plate was inserted to his right thigh. demonstration taking place on the On Tuesday, corresponding 25th opposite side of the Israeli military November 2018, he underwent area, Zikim, to the east of Gaza another operation to clean the injury Strip, at around 4:54PM, on Monday, and adjust the platinum plate. corresponding 24th September (24th September) The volunteering 2018, was injured by a gas bomb photographer of Al-Risala in his left leg. The moment he was Newspaper in Gaza, Ismail Maher injured, he was at a distance of 500 Khamees Al-Ghoul, (22 years old), meters away from the soldiers. The was injured by gunshot fragments in injury resulted in wounds, bruises his right hand fingers, while he was and rupture in the muscles of his covering a demonstration as part of leg (muscle strain). When a group the peaceful return marches taking of journalists and citizens gathered place in the east of Gaza Strip. around him, an Israeli sniper fired a bullet at him and hit the camera. According to MADA field researcher, He was given the first aid by the while Al-Ghoul was covering the paramedics in the place, and they demonstration taking place east told him that he needed to go to of Gaza, on 24 September 2018, the hospital. He preferred to go to by shooting the event live to his Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza by himself Facebook page, he was injured with to check on his leg, and the doctors several fragments of a gunshot in there informed him that his leg is the palm of his left hand and the fine and there is no need for any lower abdomen, even though he was additional check-ups or tests. 200 meters away from the border fence where the Israeli soldiers were (24th September) On Monday, deployed. Not to mention he was corresponding 24 September wearing the Press shield. He received 2018, four journalists from Al-Ghad first aid in the field medical point and TV were injured while they were then he was transferred to Al-Shifa covering events across the Israeli Hospital, where x-rays were made to Military Site, Zikim, to the north of him and he received the necessary Gaza Strip. treatment, and was discharged on According to the investigations the same day. of MADA field researcher, the TV (24th September) The videographer staff consisting of the TV reporter, of Anatolia Turkish Agency, Montaser the journalist, Nivin Waleed Islaim Mustafa Husni Al-Sawaf (28 years (29 years old), the broadcast old), was injured by a gas bomb in engineer, Mohammad Abdullah his left foot while he was covering a Abu Al-Qomsan (35 years old), the demonstration in the east of Gaza photographer, Ahmad Abderabo Strip on 24 September 2018. Salman (37 years old), and the assistant photographer, Yazan According to the investigations Ammar Al- Zweidi (22 years old), of MADA field researcher, the suffered severe suffocation due to photographer of Anatolia Turkish firing gas bombs directly at the staff

136 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations by the occupation soldiers, at around there. She started filming the 7:00PM, on Monday, corresponding closed shops, and the detention 24 September 2018, as the staff was of a group of Palestinians by the getting ready to stream live from Israeli soldiers and the Israeli border Zikim, to the north of Gaza Strip, police to prevent them from passing after the Israeli occupation forces through. A male and female police pointed at them yellow laser light officers from the Israeli border three times (apparently to keep police approached Manal. They were them away from the area). Nivin speaking in Hebrew, but she was fainted as a result of the gas bombs, able to understand from their hand her coworkers suffered suffocation signs that they wanted her to leave and difficulty in breathing as well the place. The police officer showed and they were transferred by the her a journalist card asking her Red Crescent Emergency personnel whether she carried one, but she told to the medical point established in them that she works for B’Tselem the area, where they received the Organization and has a card and necessary first aid and left the area. authorization which allow her to (25th September) On Tuesday, film. She showed them the cards, but corresponding 25 September 2018, the police officer ignored her, and the Israeli occupation soldiers have started pushing her while grabbing closed Bab Al-Zawiyya, located in her hand. She pulled her hand and the center of Hebron, to secure the told the police officer not to touch arrival of settlers to visit Athenaeus her and that she will leave the area Tomb, in Beersheba street. As a immediately. Manal walked away result, the journalist, Manal Numan from Bab Al-Zawiyya area towards Shukri Jabari, went to film the Israeli Wadi Al-Tuffah street (about 200 occupation procedures in closing meters away). In her way leaving the the said area and commercial shops, area, she stopped to chat for few as the Israeli Civil Administration minutes with a youth activist there, officers have informed the shops’ but was surprised with three officers owners there to close their shops of Israel Border Police approaching under a decision by the army at her quickly from Bab Al-Zawiyya 9:00AM until 5:00PM. area, one of was holding a camera and filming with it. He addressed According to the investigations of her in Hebrew which she could not MADA researcher, the journalist, understand. He started pushing her Manal Al-Jabari, (41 years old), so hard several times. She asked him who works as a researcher for the why was he pushing her, and was Israeli Human Rights Organization, able to understand from another B’Tselem6, has arrived to the area of police officer with them who spoke Bab Al-Zawiyya at around 2:00PM, very well Arabic, that they wanted and joined a group of journalists her to leave the area. She told him 6 Manal Al-Jabari (41 years old) – field that she left the area indeed but they researcher at the Israeli Human followed her. However, the police Rights Organization, B’Tselem, since eight years. In charge of B’Tselem officer with the camera started project “Video Channel: Camera pushing her so hard and holding Project” which includes 50 female the camera close to her face, which and male volunteers living in areas of forced her to push the camera with interactions with the occupation.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 137 2018 Details of violations her hand away from her face. Only where the investigation officer told then, the police officer grabbed her him that he will not be arrested if arm so hard that she was in pain as he deleted the group “people of she stated, and addressed her saying Hebron” immediately, which is a “you are under arrest for attacking newsgroup involving 1700 followers, a police officer and obstructing his created by Musab to post breaking work”. Two female police officers news, as well as political, economic grabbed her from both of her hands and social news. Musab told them and pulled her towards Al-Shuhada closing the group requires deleting Street. Then she was taken by the all of its members which requires Israeli Border Police vehicle to time. The investigation officer told Kiryat Arba Police Center, located in him that there will be no problem Kiryat Arba settlement established detaining him at the Intelligence in Hebron. An hour later, she was headquarters until he finishes the taken to the Investigation Room. process. In the end, Musab promised The investigation officer, named the investigation officer that he Tamir, accused her of assaulting a will delete the group, but in his policeman and obstructing his work. house. Accordingly, he was released Manal denied the charge and told provided he shall come back to the him what happened. After about headquarters on 30 September half an hour of interrogation, she 2018. Indeed, Musab deleted the was photographed, her fingerprints group but did not come back to the were collected and she was released. Intelligence headquarters on that She left the police center at around date. 5:30PM. (26th September) The Israeli (25th September) The Palestinian Occupation Army invaded Nablus city Intelligence Services has summoned at around 11:00PM, on Wednesday, the freelance journalist, Musab corresponding 26 September 2018, Khamees Qufaisha, and forced him to to secure the entrance of settlers to shut down and delete a newsgroup Joseph’s Tomb established in Balata that included about 1700 followers, Camp, east of Nablus, so they can noting that he has started the group perform their religious rituals in the a month ago. place, which is quite infrequent every According to the investigations of Wednesday which leads to clashes MADA field researcher, a number of in the area. the Palestinian Intelligence Services According to the investigations of members in Hebron arrived to the MADA researcher, clashes erupted, house of the freelance photographer, on Wednesday, corresponding 26 Musab Khamees Qufaisha (24 years September 2018, in Balata Camp, old), at around 11:00PM, on 25 after the army and settlers invaded September 2018, under a search the area. The clashes increased in warrant of the house and an arrest the midnight, when some Palestinian order. But they could not get it done young men started throwing stones when Musab’s father told them that at the occupation soldiers while the he son was not in the house. On the later started firing gunshots and following day, corresponding 26 gas bombs randomly. Meanwhile, a September 2018, Musab went to the group of journalists, including the Intelligence Services headquarters, freelance photographer, Mahmoud

138 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

Fawzi Abdelghani (33 years old), they returned her sister’s identity and the photographer of An-Najah card and took Isra with them. TV, Omair Jamal Lutfi Istaita (25 Several female soldiers entered and years old), were standing at a searched the house quickly. They distance of 100 meters away from also made a video of the entire the soldiers, wearing their Press house and its rooms inside before uniform which distinguished them Isra was arrested and before they clearly. They were far away from the left the house, after around fifteen young men throwing stones at the minutes of raiding the house”. soldiers. A soldier has fired rubber “On the following day, as we were bullet at the journalists and injured told by the Palestinian Society the photographer, Mahmoud Fawzi Prisoner’s Club advocate, Isra was Abdelghani, below his left knee, and presented before the court, her when his coworker, the journalist trial was postponed to eight days. Omair Jamal Lutfi Istaita, tried to help On Wednesday, corresponding 3 him, the soldier fired another rubber October 2018, she was presented bullet at him, it injured Istaita in the to the court, but her trial was left thigh directly. Only few seconds postponed as well for another later, the journalist, Mahmoud Fawzi, eight days until an indictment was was injured again by a rubber bullet, submitted against her. Currently she in his face under his left eye. It is is in Hasharon prison” he added. worth to mention that both of the (27 September) A force of the journalists, (Mahmoud and Omair) Palestinian Intelligence has were wearing their Press uniforms, raided the studio of the freelance and gas masks. The mentioned photographer, Nidal Mahmoud journalists were taken by an Abdelhafeth Al-Natsheh (30 years ambulance to Rafedia Governmental old), in Hebron, to search the studio Hospital, where their bleeding was and summon him. Al-Natsheh stated stopped and they were given the to MADA “at around 5:00PM, on necessary treatment. They stayed at 27 September 2018, a force of the the hospital until 2:00AM. Palestinian Intelligence Services (26th September) An occupation has raided my studio in Hebron. It army force has arrested the author has a search warrant and an official and blogger, Isra Khader Ahmad, (34 summons. I received the summons years old) after raiding her house from the intelligence officer, Adnan located in Souref town in Hebron, Abu Eisha. As the summons stated, West Bank. Her father stated to I had to go to the headquarters at MADA “a force of the occupation 9:00AM, on Sunday, corresponding army has raided our house located in 30 September 2018. I tried to talk Souref, in Hebron, at around 2:40AM, to the officer and convince him that on Wednesday, corresponding 26 there is no need to question me September 2018. I woke up by the and open a file in my name at the loud knocking on the house door, intelligence headquarters because and after opening the door, some I did not do anything that requires army members entered the house so. As I told the officer, that if I was and asked everyone in the house to arrested, I will let all of the human step outside. They asked to see the rights organizations know about this identity cards of Isra and her sister, arrest. On the evening of the same

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 139 2018 Details of violations day, at around 10:00PM, I received carried out a security campaign a phone call from the same officer in the West Bank, under which a telling me not to come”. number of citizens were arrested in (27th September) The Palestinian parallel with similar arrests carried Intelligence Services arrested the out by Hamas security services in journalist of Al-Hadath Newspaper, Gaza Strip. Musab Abdelsamad Shawer Al- (27th September) Al-Risan Tamimi, (27 years old), from Hebron, Mountain, located on the lands of after he was summoned through the Ras Karkar, Kharbatha Bani Harith, phone, on Thursday, corresponding Kafr Ni’ma, in Ramallah governorate, 27 September 2018. has become a place for Palestinian According to the investigations of protest demonstrations against the MADA researcher, the journalist Israeli occupation army following the of Al-Hadath Newspaper, Musab construction of a settlement road Abdelsamad Shawer Al-Tamimi, by the Israeli occupation into the at around 4:00PM, on Thursday, Palestinian lands, threatening 2,500 corresponding 27 September 2018, Dunums of the villagers’ lands to be received a phone call from the confiscated according to the Head Palestinian Intelligence Services of Ras Karkar Village Council. in Hebron, asking him to come to According to the investigations the headquarters. Indeed, he went of MADA researcher, the Israeli to the headquarters in the city. occupation army has announced on Immediately after arriving at the 27 September 2018 that Al-Risan headquarters about 10 minutes after Mountain area, located near Ras the call, he was informed that he Karkar, to the West of Ramallah, as was under arrest, under the “security a closed military zone. At around campaign” as one of the officers told 5:30PM, on 4 September 2018, him. the same officer also told him a number of journalists went to that they had a number of detainees cover a Palestinian peaceful march in the West Bank in exchange for a there, called for by activists from number of others being detained (by Ras Karkar, Kharbatha Bani Harith, Hamas) in Gaza. While Musab was at and Kafr Ni’ma, to protest against the headquarters, he was subjected the confiscation of their lands. The to a limited “light” interrogation as he soldiers have suppressed the march described it. He was asked about his with the use of gas and sound personal information and remained bombs, leading to clashes between in detention until the following day the demonstrators and soldiers, (Friday, September 28, 2018). He as the later continued to fire tear was released at 2:00PM, but he was gas bombs, rubber-coated metal informed that he need to come back bullets and sound bombs at the to the Intelligence headquarters demonstrators. on Tuesday (corresponding 2nd At 6:30PM, the photographer of October 2018) “to complete the Al-Hayat Al-Jadida Newspaper investigation with him”. and Anatolia Turkish Agency, the It is worth noting that as a result of journalist, Issam Huda Al-Rimawi (35 the internal Palestinian division, the years old), was injured by a metal Palestinian security services have bullet in his right leg/lower knee,

140 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations even though he was wearing all kinds soldiers during the clashes which of protection equipemtn, including erupted between the young men the helmet and the shield. He was and the Israeli occupation army. Al- standing at the mountainside and Momani reported to MADA “we were the clashes were about to end. Al- walking in the mountainside to film Rimawi stated: “while the soldiers the arrest of one of the young men, were arresting one of the young the Israeli army was walking towards men, I filmed the arrest which took us. I was wearing all of the Press place at a distance of 10 meters. safety and protection equipment. There were no clashes, and while I In the beginning, my coworker, was standing, without any warning, the journalist of the French Press an Israeli soldier from the Border Agency (AFP), the reporter Joseph Police fired gunshot directly and Dick was targeted with a rubber deliberately at me. This soldier was bullet from a distance, but he was with another group of officers and unharmed. A few minutes later, my soldiers who witnessed the fire other coworker, the journalist, Issam shooting. After I was injured, I could Al-Rimawi was targeted. After that, not feel my leg and I fell directly to one of the soldiers fired a gunshot the ground. A number of young men from a distance of only 5 meters at took me in a private vehicle to a red me. All of this happened in less than crescent ambulance which took me fifteen minutes. The army knew we to Ramallah Medical Complex. The were journalists and we did not pose doctors told me that the injury has any danger to them. Due to my injury, caused pressure to the nerves of I was unable to walk and was taken my leg, and that I had bruises. I was in my personal car to the Palestinian discharged at 8:30PM”. Medical Complex in Ramallah, where the doctors told me that the injury has caused blood congestion under the skin, which resulted in swelling between the knee and the posterior foot. I stayed in the hospital for about three hours and left home at 9:45PM and the doctors advised me to rest for three days”. (27th September) The Palestinian Intelligence Services in Hebron has summoned Thaer Ziad Al-Fakhouri, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida photographer who works as the Monitor officer for Essam Al-Rimawi was hit by a rubber- coated metal bullet under the knee Al-Quds TV, the person in charge of while covering the clashes in the village Palestine social media presences at of Ras Karkar Al-Jazeera Channel, the Director of On the same day, the photographer Space Media Production, and a staff of the French Press Agency AFP, member in the Media Department at Abbas Abdelwahab Al-Momani (45 Hebron Municipality. years old), was injured by a metal According to the investigations bullet in his left leg. This clearly of MADA researcher, Thaer Ziad reflects the deliberate targeting of Al-Fakhouri, from Hebron, who the journalists by the occupation works as a monitor officer of Al-

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 141 2018 Details of violations

Quds News TV, the person in (28th September) The photographer charge of Palestine social media of Al-Majidat Media Network, Hanin presences at Al-Jazeera Channel, Mahmoud Salman Baroud (23 years and the Director of Space Media old), from Al-Shate’ Camp, located Production, has received a phone to the west of Gaza Strip, was call at around 9:00PM, on Thursday, injured by a gas bomb in her head corresponding 27 September 2018, fired directly at her while she was from the Palestinian Intelligence covering a march taking place in Services, and he was told to go to Malka, east of Gaza Strip, on Friday, the headquarters immediately or corresponding 28 September 2018. Saturday morning, corresponding According to the investigations 29 September 2018. He said that if of MADA field researcher, the it was about his work as a journalist, photographer of Al-Majidat Media they have to contact the Syndicate Network, at around 3:00PM, on of Journalists first, and if it was about Friday, corresponding 28 September his other work, they have to contact 2018, went with her coworkers, Hebron Municipality. On Saturday, Zainab Al-Bawab, a photographer, Thaer contacted the Syndicate of and Fatima Abdullah, Al-Majidat Journalists, and he learned from Team Leader, to cover the above them (as he said) that the Palestinian mentioned march, and while she Intelligence Services has a list of was wearing a vest marked “Al- 150 persons to be arrested in the Majidat Media Network”, and holding West Bank for 48 hours and will be a camera (she was not wearing released and that his name was on the Press shield and helmet), and that list. Therefore, Thaer spoke on at around 5:00PM, while she was the phone with the Director and filming at a distance of 300 meters Deputy Director of the Intelligence away from the separating fence, she headquarters in Hebron, and both was injured by a gas bomb in her of them confirmed to him that his head fired directly at her. She was meeting will be friendly and amicable given the field first aid at the medical and they will only converse with him point of the Palestinian Red Crescent for half an hour. They also informed established in that area. Then she him that he could come whenever he was transferred by ambulance to deems appropriate. At 10:00AM, on Al-Quds Hospital where an x-ray Thursday, corresponding 4 October was made to her injury. The doctors 2018, Thaer went to the Intelligence stitched her wound with eight headquarters, and the questions stitches and then it was dressed”. were about his opinion on the (28th September) The Israeli speech of the President, Mahmoud Occupation Police has issued Abbas, before the UN, as well as two tickets against journalists the speech of the Political Office in a series of arbitrary measures Member of Hamas, Ahmad Bahr. He aimed at preventing the arrival of was also asked about his opinion on journalists to the town threatened the arrests carried out by Hamas in with demolition, Al-Khan Al-Ahmar, Gaza Strip and why he was arrested located in Al-Aghwar area, in which by Israel formerly. After the interview hundreds of solidarity activists which lasted for half an hour, he was have been protesting since 100 released. days to prevent the deportation

142 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations of population and the demolition (8th September) According to order based on the decision of the the investigations of MADA field occupation authorities ratified by researcher, a force of the Occupation the Israeli Supreme Court. police and the Israeli Border Police, According to investigations of MADA at around 10:30AM, on Friday, researcher, the Israeli occupation corresponding 28 September 2018, forces, especially on Fridays, always has detained the staff of Al-Ghad announces Al-Khan Al-Ahmar as a TV, consisting of the reporter, Raed closed military zone and intensifies Al-Sharif (29 years old), and the its arbitrary measures against photographer, Jamil Hashem Salhab journalists and citizens to prevent (27 years old), while they were their access to the town threatened heading to cover Friday prayers with demolition, forcing them to performed in Al-Khan Al-Ahmar take mountainous and steep roads. after their personal identity cards Among the arbitrary measures, is and the vehicle license were seized, issuing tickets for unjustified and and they were asked not to get out flimsy reasons. Just as happened on of the vehicle. It is wroth noting Friday, corresponding 28 September that they showed the police officer 2018, with the photographer of their press cards, not to mention Associated Press (AP), the journalist the visible press logo marked on Iyad Nimr Hamad (60 years old), the vehicle. After about 25 minutes who went on that day to Al-Khan Al- of their detention, the Israeli police Ahmar to cover the Friday prayers officer told them that the area of Al- which the Commission against the Khan Al-Ahmar is a closed military Wall and colonization called to be zone and that they are prohibited performed in Al-Khan Al-Ahmar to be there or even try to access the threatened with demolition. The area or park their vehicle anywhere moment he arrived to Al-Khan Al- near the area. He threatened them Ahmar, and before getting out of with issuing them a ticket, which his vehicle, an Israeli police officer prevented them from completing issued him a ticket with an amount their work as they were getting ready of 250 NIS, under the pretext that to cover the eleven o’clock news. he parked his vehicle on the yellow (28th September) The line of the street adjacent to Al-Khan photojournalist, Mueen Tayseer Al- Al-Ahmar. On 22 September 2018, Dabba, was injured while he was Reuters Agency photographer, Adel covering a demonstration taking Ibrahim Abu Nima (50 years old) place in Malka east of Gaza Strip on suffered the same incident as he was 28 September 2018 as part of the heading to the parking near Al-Khan return marches. Al-Ahmar at about 11:00AM after According to the investigations completing his journalistic work of MADA field researcher, the waited for one of his coworkers to photographer, Mueen Tayseer hand him over the filmed material. Al-Dabba (31 years old) went to Before he arrived, and as he was Malka, east of Gaza Strip, on Friday, walking on foot by the road, an corresponding 28 September 2018, Israeli police officer issued him a to cover the events of the return ticket of 250 NIS, which was paid by march and post it live on his Facebook Abu Nima four days later. page. Some young men started

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 143 2018 Details of violations setting the tires on fire in the area, soldiers patrols taking pictures of and he immediately began shooting the events, one of the soldiers fired live these events. By degrees, the rubber bullets at him directly, and clashes between the demonstrators injured his left leg. He was given the and the occupation forces on the first aid in the field and then he was other side of the separating fence taken to Ramallah Medical Complex intensified. Meanwhile, Al-Dabba was where he received the necessary injured by a fragment in his shoulder, treatment. He was discharged from and he was taken by the paramedics the hospital two hours later. and volunteers to the medical point October established in the area. Then he was taken to Dar Al-Shifa Hospital in (1st Oct.) Some Israeli police officers Gaza Strip where he received the have assaulted the freelance necessary treatment. journalist, Yazan Haddad, while he was covering some events taking (30th September) The photographer place in the city of Jerusalem. of Reuters Agency, Mohammad Turkman (51 years old) was injured According to the investigations of by a rubber-coated metal bullet in MADA field researcher, on Monday, his leg while he was covering the corresponding 1st Oct. 2018, it was invasion of a force of the occupation a general strike in the West Bank, army to Batn Al-Hawa in Ramallah Jerusalem, as well as some cities City, in the afternoon, on 30 and towns within the green line, to September 2018. protest against the National-State Bill approved by Israel which states According to the investigations that the right to self-determination of MADA researcher, a force of in Israel belongs only to the the Israeli occupation army, has Jewish people, in addition to other invaded Batn Al-Hawa area in discriminatory provisions against Ramallah city, under the jurisdiction the Arab Palestinians. This strike of the Palestinian Authority, in the coincided with Shavuos Holiday afternoon, on 30 September 2018, where large numbers of settlers have and arrested two young men and taken part in provocative celebratory a girl, after the residential premises tours across the occupied Jerusalem, were surrounded, and several roads repeating racist chants against Arabs leading to the mentioned area and Palestinians. Between 5:30 PM were closed. After that, groups and 6:00 PM on that day, Yazen of Palestinian young men started Ahmed Mohammed Haddad, (22 throwing stones at the army patrols years old) a freelance journalist, lives and the soldiers began firing rubber in Al-Thawri neighborhood, in Silwan, bullets, gas bombs and tear gas Jerusalem, was near Damascus Gate, bombs. There were several injuries a main and vital area of Jerusalem, to of suffocation which urged the cover the strike, when a large group journalists to go to the place and of Israeli occupation forces detained cover the events. The photographer a number of young Palestinians in of Reuters Agency, Mohammad that place, even though they did not Turkman, went to the place and he raise any flags or yelled any chants. was wearing the vest that was clearly As he was reporting live through his marked PRESS. While he was at a cell phone, some soldiers wearing distance of 50 meters away from the

144 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations green uniforms have suddenly his wound. He was transferred to attacked the demonstrators with Al-Mostaqbal Hospital located in Al- pepper gas spray in the faces (in Bireh City, where he ran some tests a matter of minutes), as he stated, before being transferred to Palestine which is why he lost concentration Medical Complex where x-rays were for a little while. He was beaten by made to him and they showed some some Police officers, one of them bruises only. He was discharged at has raised an iron barricade and hit 5:20 PM, and was recommended by him, which caused him a wound in the doctors to have 3-days rest. his hand, not to mention that his cell Note: MADA researcher has witnessed phone has smashed. what happened and how the above (1st Oct.) At the northern entrance mentioned journalist was injured as of Al-Bireh, specifically, in the road he, along with the photographer, leading to Beit El Military Barrier, Munther Al-Khateeb, were standing located to the northeast of Ramallah next the photographer, Shadi Hatem, City, where the clashes between the the moment he was injured. There Palestinian and Israelis usually erupt, are photos taken by the researcher following the general strike in most of the first moment of the injury of of the Palestinian cities and towns, Shadi Hatem. on Monday, corresponding 1st Oct. (3rd Oct.) The injury of Xinhua News 2018, protesting against the Nation- Agency photographer, Mohammad State Bill (enacted by the Knesset Dahman (30 years old) by a gas in 19th July 2018), clashes have bomb in his thigh while he was erupted at Beit El Barrier on that covering a demonstration taking day, attracting several media and place in Beit Hanoun “Erez Crossing”, journalists to cover the event. At 3:42 to the north of Gaza Strip, as part of PM, RAYA FM Radio photographer, the weekly return marches. Shadi Hatem Imtairiya (25 years old) According to the investigations was injured by a stone in his left leg of MADA field researcher, the while he was covering the clashes photographer, Mohammad Dahman which have erupted between dozens (30 years old), from Al-Nasr of the Palestinian demonstrators neighborhood in Gaza, at around and the Israeli Occupation forces. 06:30, on Wednesday corresponding While he was covering the event, 4 Oct. 2018, was in Beit Hanoun “Erez Imtairiya was wearing the Press Crossing”, to the north of Gaza Strip, helmet and vest, standing behind an covering a demonstration taking iron caravan to protect himself from place as part of the return marches. the gas bombs fired by the soldiers He was injured by a gas bomb in the at the demonstrators as the latter right thigh fired at him directly by were throwing stones at the soldiers, one of the Israeli Occupation soldiers, which led to the injury of Imtairiya by even though he was wearing the a stone in his left foot. He could not Press helmet and vest, and he was stand up post to his injury, he went at a distance of 300 meters away to one of the paramedics at the area from the separating fence. Since he to dress the wound of his injured did not feel much pain, he thought foot. He was taken in the ambulance it was a minimal injury. He did not which arrived directly after one of the went to the field medical point Red Crescent paramedics dressed

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 145 2018 Details of violations established in the area, he continued approached the fence to a distance his work for two more hours, until of 30-50 meters, started setting 8:30, upon completing his work, he in fire rubber tires, chanting and checked the injury and found that throwing stones at the Israeli military its color has changed, and its extent jeeps. At around 5:00, she moved had increased. He went to Al-Shifa along with a number of journalists Hospital in Gaza, where the doctors and approached the separating reassured him that there was no fence to a distance of 30-50 meters. internal hemorrhage or muscle Half an hour later, she retreated back damage. 300 meters away from the fence, (5th Oct.) The injury of the journalist, and at around 5:45, she was injured Doaa Fareed Hamed Zarab, by a by a gunshot fired directly at her gunshot in her right leg, while she right leg, lower the knee “causing was covering the peaceful return an entry and exit”. Immediately, march taking place on Friday, members of the Civil Defense and corresponding 5 Oct. 2018, in volunteer paramedics transferred Khuza’a, east of Khan Yunis, Gaza her by an ambulance to the field Strip. hospital, which is about 800 meters away from the separating fence, According to the investigations where she received first aid and of MADA field researcher, the was transferred to Nasser Medical volunteer journalist at Noor News Complex, west of Khan Yunis, where Agency, Doaa Fareed Hamed she arrived at 6:30, and it was found Zarab, from Khan Younis, 25 years that the gunshot has caused her leg old, has arrived around 4:00 PM, fracture, torn ligaments, intravenous on 5 Oct. 2018, to Khuza’a, east of cutting, hemorrhage, and inability to Khan Younis, wearing the Press move the injured toes. On Saturday, shield, with a camera to cover a corresponding 6 Oct. 2018, she demonstration that was taking underwent a clean-up operation, an place as part of the return peaceful exploratory operation to stop the marches. While she was there, she bleeding. According to the doctors saw some demonstrators getting at Nasser Medical Complex, in the off buses, she also saw around 400 coming days, she will undergo demonstrators at a distance of 300- another one or two operations as 350 meters away from the security Zarab stated to MADA researcher. separating fence, and around 100 demonstrators setting tires on fire 100 meters away from the fence. She also noticed some Israeli soldiers go up sandy hills, and around three Israeli military jeeps parked on the other side of the fence firing gas bombs at the demonstrators which caused several injuries and suffocation. Meanwhile, she was standing in “Jakr” street, 300 meters away from The journalist Du’aa Zo’rob was the separating fence, and she started wounded by a live bullet in the right leg in the town of Khuza’a, east of Khan filming the demonstrators who were Yunis increasing gradually. Some of them

146 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

(5th Oct.) The injury of the According to MADA researcher, the photojournalist, Osama Shareef reporter of Shihab News Agency7 Mahmoud Al-Kahlout, by fragments in the West Bank, Amer Abdelhai in both thighs while he was Mohammad Abu Arafa (35 years covering the events of the return old), from Hebron, was summoned peaceful marches taking place at by the Palestinian Intelligence the separating fence, east of Bureij Services, at 10:00 AM, on Sunday, Camp, Gaza Strip. corresponding 7 Oct. 2018. Indeed, According to MADA researcher, the he went to the Intelligence Services photographer of Donia Al-Watan, headquarters, on the scheduled Osama Shareef Al-Kahlout (34 years day. About half an hour after his old), from Deir Al-Balah, has arrived arrival, he met the investigator “Abu on the afternoon of 5 Oct. 2018, to the Saddam” who asked him to open separating fence area, east of Bureij his Facebook page, and asked him Camp, in the central Gaza Strip, to about his work for Shihab News cover the events of the peaceful Agency, the resources of his news, return march. He was wearing the how does he contact the Agency Press vest, when he started taking and how do the Agency sends some photos of the demonstrators him assignments. Amer refused to while he was at 300 meters away disclose his Facebook password, from the separating fence. He took unless they bring him an order to do some distance away when the Israeli so from the Public Prosecution or soldiers on the other side of the fence the Court. The investigation session started firing large amounts of tear continued with him for about half gas bombs at the demonstrators. an hour, during which Amer saw an At around 06:00 PM, while he was arrest warrant in his name since he covering the events, a man standing did respond. The computer expert next to him was injured by a gunshot, tried more than once to hack and the fragments of which have injured open his account in front of him. another three persons. It was right After the investigation, Amer stayed in this moment when he felt some in the waiting room until about 5:00 heat in his leg, and found that he was PM, when the Officer “Abu Saddam” injured with minor wounds in both of asked him to hand over his stuff and his thighs. On his way home in the took him to a cell. Amer spent a full evening, he went to Al-Aqsa Martyrs day in the smelly cell (2m/1m). He Hospital, where he made an x-ray, was questioned seven times. In each and it showed that there were five time, the interrogation lasted about fragments of a gunshot in his thighs. half an hour. Amer did not notice He stayed in the hospital until 11:15 any hostility in the interrogators’ PM, and then was discharged with methods, but once, one of the some medications. officers was carrying an M-16 and began moving it to make sounds as (7th Oct.) The reporter of Shihab if he was preparing to shoot, Amer News Agency, Amer Abdelhai considered this a kind of intimidation. Mohammad Abu Arafa (35 years He also noticed that the officers and old) was arrested by the Palestinian Intelligence Services in the West 7 Shihab News Agency is a Palestinian news agency stationed in Gaza Strip, Bank, interrogated and questioned locally recognized and known as one several times about his work. of the largest news Facebook pages.

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 147 2018 Details of violations investigators have agreed that if he Roya, Hafeth Mahmoud Abu Sabra, did not disclose the password of his and his coworker, the photographer, Facebook account, his detention Wisam Abderabo Hajjouj (26 years will be extended 15 days. In the old) went to interview the parents investigation sessions, he was asked of Naaloah, the person accused of about his work with Shihab Agency, implementing the shooting against why he was arrested by the Israeli the settlers, in his house located Occupation 15 years ago (when he in Shweike neighborhood, 2.5 spend six years in the Israeli prisons), kilometers to the north of Tulkarm. what was his categorization in the During the interview, the occupation prison, he was also asked about a forces raided the area, around six post he published on his personal soldiers entered the house, asked page for which he was accused that the staff to stop the interview, and he is attacking and cursing Jamal leave the house immediately on Nazal, a member in the Revolutionary the grounds that they unlawfully Council, the spokesperson of Fatah entered a military zone. However, Movement. In the post, he criticized the four journalists could not get the speech of Jamal Nazzal against out due to the military jeeps parked Hamas, wondering why he did not in a manner blocking the road in attack the Occupation instead. front of their vehicles. The soldiers Amer was not brought before the seized the staff’s equipment, placed Public Prosecution or the Court, them in the journalists’ vehicle, and he was released at around 4:00 asked them not to film anything. PM, on the following day, Monday, They were detained half an hour at corresponding 8 Oct. 2018. the entrance of the house, guarded (8th Oct.) The Occupation Forces by four soldiers, while one of the have seized the television equipment soldiers took Naaloah’s father to of Roya and MAAN TV Channels, another house for questioning. and prevented them from covering (9th Oct.) The Palestinian Security the events of the raids implemented Services have summoned several by the Occupation Army in Shweike citizens in connection to the peaceful neighborhood in Tulkarm. poplar sit-in protesting against the According to MADA researcher, Social Security Law, including three the day following the shooting journalists, namely: Ihab Al-Jariri, in which two Israeli settlers were Director of FM 24 RAdio, Fadi Al- killed in “Barkan” settlement, near Arouri, the photographer of Xinhua Salfit, in the West Bank, on Sunday, News Agency, and the freelance corresponding 7 Oct. 2018, which the journalist, Jehan Hassan Awad, (34 Israeli claimed that the young man, years old). Ashraf Naaloah, from Shweike, is the Al-Arouri stated to MADA “On person in charge of the shooting, 9th Oct. 2018, I received an oral but he escaped, on Monday, summons from the Preventive corresponding 8 Oct. 2018, at around Security Services in Ramallah. 12:00 PM, MAAN staff, including the Indeed, I went to the headquarters photographer, Rami Rouhi Darwish at around 1:30 PM, the discussion Swedan (42 years old), his coworker, was mainly about the need for/the the reporter, Islam Masoud Hussein popular mass movement against Hamad (46 years old), the reporter of the social security law/to obtain

148 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations an authorization for the sit-in “I received a phone call from the intended to take place on Monday, Preventive Security in Ramallah, on corresponding 15th October 2018. 9th Oct. 2018, asking me to come After they found that we indeed to the headquarters for ten minutes applied to obtain an authorization, for an interview. When I asked the tone of the discussion changed about the reason or the subject of and moved on to address the need the interview, they replied that it to adhere to the law. I commented was about my Facebook posts on that the Preventive Security is not the social security law. But I did the negotiating or the competent not respond or go as the summons party to discuss the authorization was not official, and if they want to for the sit-in with us. Especially that question me, the Syndicate has to be we have applied for an authorization notified”. to the competent party, which is the (12th Oct.) The injury of the governorate, and it will get back to journalists, Bilal Bassam Odeh us on this regard, not to mention that Al-Sabagh, and Yasser Zuhair Al- we have no intention to confront the Taweel, by the occupation soldiers police. They asked me to sign on a bullets, while they were covering a pledge not to incite, but I refused to demonstration as part of the return sign”. peaceful marches in Malka, east of As to Al-Jariri, he stated “the Gaza, on Friday, corresponding 12 Preventive Security Services in Oct. 2018. Ramallah has called me by telephone, According to MADA researcher, and asked me to immediately come. the freelance photographer, Yasser Indeed, I went to the headquarters at Zuhair Al-Taweel (21 years old), has around 12:00 PM, where I stayed for went to Malka, east of Gaza, on an hour and a half, the discussion was Friday, corresponding 12 Oct. 2018, about “us – the group responsible for to cover a demonstration as part the popular mass movement against of the return marches. At around the social security law – and how we 5:00 PM, while he was taking some incite against the law, threatening the photos at a distance of 30 meters civil peace, disregarding the present away from the separating fence, he circumstances of the country which was targeted by a gunshot fired by cannot stand such acts, and that the one of the Israeli soldiers stationed march has no authorization (even on the other side of the separating though the group in charge of the fence, causing him an injury through sit-in has applied for an authorization the mid-chest out of the right to the Governorate). They indicated shoulder, shattering the bones of that they know about the groups/ the right humerus and causing inciting against the Authority and nerve damage in the right hand as it trying to take advantage of the turned out later, even though there current protests of citizens for their were only groups of demonstrators interest. I was asked to sign a pledge in the area carrying banners and not to incite, in its former version, yelling to condemn the aggression which I did not hesitate for a second and siege and demand return and to sign as I know for sure that I do self-determination in ways that pose not incite indeed”. no threat. The Journalist Jehan Awad stated

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 149 2018 Details of violations

On the same day, Friday, around 2:15 AM, at dawn, on Sunday, corresponding 12 Oct. 2018, the corresponding 14 Oct. 2018, has photographer of Zain for Media heard the sound of artillery parking Production, and the freelance in front of the house, and the sound photographer of the French News of someone opening the main gate Agency, Bilal Odeh Al-Sabagh of the house’s front yard. This was (27 years old), went at 4:00 PM, followed by knocking the front door to the same place (Malka, east of of the house, when they opened Gaza), while he was wearing the the door, around five soldiers were Press shield (the helmet, the vest, there, they asked them to stay inside and the muzzle marked “Press” to the house, they took out Musab’s cover a demonstration as part of father to an exterior room in the the return marches, and at around house’s yard, and asked Musab to 5:30, while covering these events, stay among his family members in a Al-Sabagh noticed the escalation room with no lights on. Meanwhile, and consistency of the Israeli they started questioning the father targeting of demonstrators, and and it lasted for 30 minutes, then the intensive shooting of gunshots they asked Musab to step out, and and gas bombs, which is why he come to the same exterior room. He retreated back towards the west, came accompanied by three soldiers, to a safer area, 80-100 meters away including a tall intelligence officer, from the separating fence, while he wearing the military uniform and was moving back, he felt an injury helmet on his head, carrying a gun on in his leg. It was found later that the his side, he started yelling at Musab injury was caused by an explosive and asking him: how did you go to bullet fragment, causing him a one- Ashraf Naaloah’s house, who asked centimeter wound, as it turned out you to prepare a television report? later after he was taken to Al-Shifa What is the kind of relationship Medical Complex, where he arrived you have with Ashraf Abu Sheikha at 6:30 PM. The fragment was not (who is currently wanted by the removed as the doctor supervising occupation for the charge of his condition deemed appropriate, executing Barkan operation), in unless after two days, on Sunday, Shweike neighborhood in Tulkarm. corresponding 14 Oct. 2018, as it Musab clarified in his answers that was removed in the Patient Friend’s he is a journalist working for Kol Benevolent Society. Alnas TV in Tulkarem, and a reporter (14th Oct.) An Israeli occupation of MAAN Radio Network; therefore, army force has raided the house of he follows orders to prepare media the journalist, Musab Mohammad reports. He stated that he has no Dbeigh, at dawn, on 14 Oct. 2018, relationship with Ashraf except questioned and threatened him. that three years ago, Ashraf and his brother Amjad, have installed an air According to MADA field researcher, conditioner in Musab’s house, and the family of the journalist, Musab he did not meet him ever since or Mohammad Ibrahim Dbeigh, born contacted him. The Israeli officer on 19 September 1996, works for Kol has cursed Musab, yelled at him and Alnas TV, also a reporter for MAAN threatened him with imprisonment News Agency, lives in Al-Sonawbar and destroying his house if it turned area in Bala’a, east of Tulkarm, at

150 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations out that he concealed information Director, Ghazi Murtaja, against her. or helped Ashraf even if only by Ayat contacted the Police Public providing him with a drink or food Relations Director, Colonel Loay or shelter. His questioning continued Zreiqat, and the latter contacted for 30 minutes, his phone was seized, Nablus Police and the Public and its contents were accessed, they Relations Director, Amjad Farahta, gave it back to him before they left and told her that he suspended the house. the imprisonment order, but she (14th Oct.) The Palestinian Police has to go on the following day and has handed over the journalist, issue a pursuit abstention, that is Ayat Farhat Abdullah, a subpoena a prosecution prevention. On the (imprisonment order) in connection following morning, corresponding to the case initiated by the Director 15 Oct. 2018, Ayat contacted the of An-Najah National University Syndicate’ lawyer and he told her Media Department against a number that he will put an end to this matter. of journalists. She also contacted ADDAMEER Organization and they informed According to MADA field researcher, her that as long as her file is with at around 5:00 PM, on the evening the Public Prosecution, it would of 14 Oct. 2018, some police officers still under ongoing processing. from Aqraba Police Center, which Then she contacted MADA’s lawyer, is the closest police center to Beita Firas Karaja, gave him her I.D. Card town where the journalist, Ayat number and he assured her that the Farhat Abdullah (27 years old) was, imprisonment order is connected to have arrived to the electrical shop the case of the Media Department of Ayat’s uncle and handed him Director, Ghazi Murtaja. Firas over a subpoena. They told him that informed her that the case is still she has to immediately come to in process and that they both have the police and that the notification to go to the Public Prosecution. On was an imprisonment order and 16 Oct. 2018, it was posted on the only because she was a girl they Facebook that the cases initiated by did not arrest her directly from Ghazi Murtaja have been dropped. her house. With immediate effect, However, on 22 Oct. 2018, Ayat, along Ayat contacted the Syndicate of with MADA’s lawyer, Firas Karaja, Journalists and informed them with and ADDAMEER’s lawyer, Mohannad what happened. She also contacted Karaja, went to Nablus Prosecution the Police Public Relations Office, where they learned that the Department to enquire about the cases were not actually dropped. issue. They told her that “it is either The chief prosecutor told her about debts, or promissory notes or that he will not question her on a bail she has signed to someone”, that day, because there might be but she was certain that she has no “reconciliation”, and she knew that debts or any obligations of this kind. if the case was dropped, there is Ayat’s brother went to the Police “public right” and the case will Center on the evening of that day, remain ongoing. On the same day, where he learned that the issue was Ayat issued a pursuit abstention and connected to the “Facebook” and went to the Police Center to prevent the defamation case initiated by An- further prosecution against her and Najah University Media Department

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 151 2018 Details of violations to suspend the imprisonment orders he was standing on the beach at a issued against her. distance of 300 meters away from On the morning of 28 Oct. 2018, the separating border fence where MADA’s lawyer, Firas Karaja, has the Israeli soldiers were deployed, accompanied the journalist, Mada half an hour after he arrived, he Mohammad Yazeed Fathi Shalbak suffered suffocation due to the (24 years old) to Nablus Prosecution excessive firing of gas bombs at Office, note that Shalbak used to the demonstrators. He moved a few work for Al-Najah News Website meters to the back while he was over a period of one year and three filming the events, but as soon he months, in respond to the subpoena was injured by an explosive bullet issued by the Prosecution Office in fired at him by the Israeli soldiers connection with the case initiated through his right hand. One of the against her by An-Najah National fragments of the bullet settled in his University Media Department hand bones while other fragments Director, Ghazi Murtaja. When they have injured his lower jaw causing arrived, Shalbak signed a power of him severe bleeding, more fragments attorney to authorize the lawyer have even injured two other young Firas Karaja. The Chief Prosecutor men around him. The moment he was was not there, and he refused that injured, Abu Rayash was taken in an the file be opened by someone else, ambulance to the field medical point but after contacting him and some established in the area and from of the lawyers at the Prosecution there he was transferred to Al-Awda Office, they took the subpoena, they Hospital, where the bleeding was also copied some of her documents, stopped and his wound was stitched including the personal identity card, 17 stitches. A pressure bandage and her place of residence, in order was dressed to the wound without to proceed with the due procedures removing the fragment or casting to appear before the Prosecution the fracture given the hazardous Office and the court. consequences of removing the fragment from the sensitive place it (15th Oct. ) The injury of the freelance settled in. photographer, Thaer Abu Rayash, by an explosive gunshot while he was (15th Oct.) According to MADA covering a demonstration as part field researcher, and eye-witnesses, of the return marches organized in at around 7:30 AM, on Monday, Zikim Beach, Gaza Strip. corresponding 15 Oct. 2018, the students of Al-Lubban Al-Sawiya According to MADA field researcher, Secondary School, located in the freelance photojournalist, Thaer Ramallah-Nablus Street, to the south Khaled Fahmi Abu Rayash (24 years of Nablus, went to their school, old), from Beit Lahia, north of Gaza in the presence of the Minister of Strip, has arrived at around 4:30 PM, Education & Higher Education, Dr. on Monday, corresponding 15 Oct. Sabri Seidam, Nablus Governor, 2018, to Zikim Beach, northwest of Major General Akram Al-Rjoub, Lahia, to the north of Gaza Strip, alongside a number of the families wearing the Press uniform, to cover from Al-Lubban Al-Sawiya and the a demonstration organized there as neighboring villages, to protest part of the return marches. While against a military decision issued

152 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations by the Israeli occupation forces to close the said school. Meanwhile, a number of journalists from several press agencies came to cover the event, including Nasser Ishtaya, a representative of Epa Agency, Ayman Al-Nubani, a representative of WAFA News Agency, and the photographer, Alaa Badarneh. At around 8:10 AM, while the students were entering the school, the Photographer of the French Agency occupation forces have suppressed Jaafar Ashtayeh after he was hit by a gas bomb in the head fired by soldiers the demonstrators by gas bombs of the occupation army. and rubber-coated bullets until they (15th Oct.) The Israeli occupation managed to evacuate the school. forces have prevented the journalists An eye-witness has stated to MADA and the media from covering the researcher that the occupation ongoing sit-in taking place in Al-Khan forces have deliberately targeted Al-Ahmar, located in the Valleys area, the photographer of the French West Bank, protesting against the News Agency, Jafar Zahed Hussein Israeli decision of demolishing the Ishtaya, (51 years old) by a gas village and displacing its population. bomb that injured his head on his It is noteworthy that Al-Khan Al- way out of the school main door, Ahmar is one of the 46 Bedouin and at close range. Ishtaya was communities the occupation taken in an ambulance to Yasser authorities are seeking to demolish Arafat Hospital, in Salfit, and after and displace their population to running the tests, he was transferred implement its settlement project to Rafidia Governmental Hospital “E1” which urged dozens of the in Nablus. Following the medical Palestinian and foreign activists to tests and radiography, it was found call for an open sit-in in the village that he is suffering a fracture in the starting from 20 July 2018 to prevent skull and a concussion. Currently, he the demolishing and displacement is lying in bed, in the ICU, and the of population. In the meantime, the doctors described his situation as Israeli occupation forces closed most moderate. Until the moment, there of the roads leading to the village is no complete medical report on his and placed gates to open and close injury and health condition. whenever they deem appropriate, and carried out a series of measures to pressure the population and displace them. This has taken place in parallel with a series of attacks against the media and journalists to prevent them from covering what is happening on the ground. It is noteworthy that several journalists and press agencies are staying, almost permanently, in the village

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 153 2018 Details of violations to cover any dramatic or surprising pushed and prevented him from updates that might take place. covering the event. According to MADA field researcher, 3. The photographer of WAFA, an Israeli occupation army force, Sulaiman Mahmoud Sulaiman at 7:00 AM, on 15 Oct. 2018, has Abu Srour, (33 years old), raided Al-Khan Al-Ahmar with prevented from media coverage, three bulldozers to level the roads as one of the Israeli force adjacent to the village and dispose elements has pulled a gun on his the waste water launched by the chest and threatened him with settlers. However, the demonstrators arrest if he did not leave the site in the sit-in went to the entrance of right before one of the other the village to prevent the bulldozers soldiers sprayed pepper gas from entering the village, and so did directly at his face. Abu Srour a lot of journalists and press agencies received the field treatment by staying almost permanently in the the medical staff at the location. village to cover the events since the 4. Reuters journalist, Mousa Issa Al- beginning of the open sit-in which Qawasma, (35 years old), pushed started on 20 July 2018 to prevent by some of the Israeli Army the execution of the demolition officers deliberately to prevent decision and displacement of him from covering the event. population. When the Israeli 5. Palestine TV photographer, Ali bulldozers approached the entrance Yaseen, (26 years old) prevented of the village, the activists sat in from entering the area, his front of the bulldozers to prevent personal card was seized and them from moving forward. The so his driving license, for 40 soldiers prevented the journalists minutes. from approaching the site to cover the event, and they assaulted At 7:30 AM, on the following day, some journalists even though all of corresponding 16 Oct. 2018, the them were wearing Press uniforms Israeli occupation bulldozers came or holding Press cards. This has back to continue the leveling of affected the following: the streets adjacent to Al-Khan Al- Ahmar, and again, prevented the 1. The photojournalist of Ekha press agencies from filming and Turkish Website and Al-Hadaf covering the event. This has affected Online Magazine, Sari Sharif the journalists below: Abdelgaffar Jaradat, (32 years old), was banned from media 1. PalPress Agency photographer, coverage and threatened by Mohammad Jawad Issa Zaghab, soldiers with arrest. (30 years old), prevented from entering Al-Khan Al-Ahmar to 2. The photojournalist of Al-Ghad cover the event. TV, Jameel Hashem Jameel Salhab, (31 years old), prevented 2. Palestine TV reporter, Christine from approaching the events Khaled Waled Rinawi, (28 years while he was at Al-Khan Al-Ahmar old), deliberately pushed by since 35 days filming the leveling some of the Israeli police officers actions, during which one of the during her direct coverage of Israeli Police Yasam Unit officers what was happening there. When she left Al-Khan Al-Ahmar,

154 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

one of the Israeli police officers area of the protests, which is not has chased her vehicle, asked more than 100 meters away “Erez for her personal card but did not Crossing” gate in the street in front issue her any tickets. of the gate where the photographer 3. The Iranian TV photographer, Mahmoud was standing. The Khaled Ali Sabarneh, (47 years demonstrators dispersed away from old), deliberately pushed by the gas bombs and Mahmoud went the Israeli Occupation soldiers to the west side of the street where in front of his colleagues from the gas was less. After a short time other Press agencies. he returned to stand in the same spot around a small number of (18th Oct.) The injury of the civilian demonstrators and at that photojournalist, Mahmoud Khaleel time he was targeted with a gas Mahmoud Bader, by a gas bomb in bomb directly fired at his right knee, his leg fired at him by one of the he fell to the ground and got help occupation soldiers while he was from some of the demonstrators covering the events of the peaceful who took him to the ambulances return march, at Beit Hanoun, Erez which were in a farther location. He Crossing, on 18 Oct. 2018. was taken to Al-Awda Hospital for According to MADA researcher, treatment. After radiography, he was the Palestinians in northern Gaza found to have suffered minor burns Strip, particularly in Beit Hanoun to the skin, bruises due to the injury (Erez Crossing), used to organize and tissues rupture. He said that protest demonstrations as part of this was the third time he had been the peaceful return marches, every injured by gas bombs fired directly Tuesday, along the road leading at him. to Beit Hanoun-Erez crossing. On (19th Oct.) The injury of the Tuesday, corresponding 18 October, freelance journalist, Fadi Waheed 2018, the photojournalist, Mahmoud Hammad Thabet, by a bullet in his Khalil Mahmoud Bader, a 21-year- left leg, below the knee, while he was old staff member of the Palestinian covering the events of the peaceful Information Center, went to cover the return march, taking place on Friday, events in the area as he used to do corresponding 19 Oct. 2018, east of every Tuesday. The demonstrators, Bureij Camp. as usual, were setting on fire the rubber tires and chanting against According to MADA field researcher, the occupation. The photographer, the freelance photojournalist, Fadi Mahmoud Bader approached the Waheed Hammad Thabet, (27 years front area of the protests and began old), from Juhor Ad-Dik, in the central to take pictures for the Palestinian Gaza Strip, has arrived at around Media Center, which he works for 3:30 PM, on Friday, corresponding 5 as a photographer and journalist, Oct. 2018, to the east of Bureij Camp, wearing a full press uniform (blue in the central Gaza Strip, to cover helmet, blue shield marked Press and the events of the return peaceful holding a camera). At approximately march. He was wearing the Press 5:00 PM, the Israeli occupation forces vest, and at around 4:00 PM, the fired a barrage of gas bombs at the citizens started arriving to the site demonstrators, especially in the front and setting in fire rubber tires. He started filming the demonstrators, at

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 155 2018 Details of violations a distance of 200 meters away from from the separating fence, before the separating fence, on the other taking any photos as the events of side of which the Israeli soldiers were the march have not yet begun, he deployed. At around 5:00 PM, he was injured by an explosive bullet was posting live the events through in his right ankle. Immediately after his Facebook account, and noticed that, he was taken by paramedics to a threatening comment on the live the field medical point in the area, video he was posting. The threat and from there, he was transferred was in sent in Hebrew “take one step to the hospital where he ran tests forward so you can get your penalty and radiography which showed that … the person posting this has to be the bullet has injured his right ankle killed”. Only then he decided to stop in the “lateral malleolus” specifically, the live posting and started taking which caused him a deep wound photos. Not long after this, at 5:18 requiring stitches. PM, Fadi was injured by a gunshot (19th Oct.) The injury of the directly fired at his leg and he could photographer, Yahya Waled Hals, by not move as a result. He was taken by a gas bomb in his face fired by an the paramedics to Al-Aqsa Hospital, Israeli soldier while he was covering located in Deir Al-Balah, where it a demonstration taking place in was found that he was injured by Malka, east of Gaza Strip. an explosive gunshot which led to According to MADA researcher, the bone fracture and tissues laceration. photographer of Palestine Today Platinum was placed to his leg and News Agency, Yahya Waled Hals, (21 he stayed in hospital for four days. years old), at around 3:00 PM, on Fadi is still laying at home because Friday, corresponding 19 Oct. 2018, he cannot move due to the severe went to Malka, east of Gaza Strip, pain he feels, provided he should go to cover the events of the weekly to the hospital on 5 Nov. 2018 for return march. As soon as he arrived, follow-up. he began to take photographs, live (19th Oct.) The injury of the volunteer posting to the Agency’s Facebook journalist of “Palestine Al-Hadath”, page, and at about 4:00 PM he Mahmoud Abu Muslim, (20 years approached the separating fence to old), by an explosive gunshot in the film the demonstrators there, when right ankle, while he was covering the Israeli occupation soldiers began the events of the return march taking randomly firing a barrage of gas place in the east of Bureij, Gaza Strip. bombs at the demonstrators. Half According to MADA researcher, the an hour later, that is, at around 5:30 volunteer journalist of “Palestine PM, he was injured by a gas bomb in Al-Hadath”, Mahmoud Abu Muslim, his face fired directly at him by one from Al-Maghazi, in the central Gaza of the soldiers. It is noteworthy that Strip, at around 3:30, on Friday, he was wearing the Press uniform, corresponding 19 Oct. 2018, went and was standing at a distance of to the east of Bureij Camp, in Gaza 70 meters. Immediately, he was Strip, to cover the events of the taken by some young men to the return march. He was wearing the field medical point in Malka where Press vest and helmet, and while he he received the first aid, and then he was getting ready to start his work, was transferred to Al-Shifa Medical at a distance of 300 meters away Hospital where he ran some tests.

156 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

Then he was transferred to the Eye Abdullah Al-Ghoul, on the evening of Hospital in Al-Naser neighborhood, Wednesday, corresponding 24 Oct. in Gaza Strip, where his slight 2018, while he was covering a night wounds were cleaned and he stayed demonstration near the separating for two hours approximately. Then he fence, east of Rafah. was taken back to Al-Shifa Medical According to MADA field researcher, Hospital where he stayed until 10:00 “Misk Press” photographer, Anas PM before the doctors discharged Rouhi Abdullah Al-Ghoul, 23 him and he returned home. years old, at around 9:30 PM, on (19/10) Journalist Madeleine Wednesday, corresponding 24 Oct. Essam Al-Aqra was hit by a tear a 2018, went to east Rafah to cover a gas grenade, fired directly at her night demonstration, where dozens while covering a demonstration of demonstrators were in the “Jakr east of the Bureij refugee camp Street”, and while he was at a in the Gaza Strip. According to distance of 500 meters away from investigations conducted by MADA the separating fence, in his Press field researcher, the photographer vest, holding a photographic camera, and correspondent in the Philistine he started filming the demonstrators Al-hadath news Agency Madeline setting rubber tires on fire. After Essam Al-Aqra, (20 years), a resident around half an hour (at 10:00 PM), of Deir Al-Balah arrived at about 3 the occupation soldiers deployed pm on 19/10/2018 East Boreij area on the other side of the separating to cover a demonstration within fence, started excessive firing of the activities of the peaceful return tear gas bombs and gunshots. Anas march. She was wearing a protective was injured with an explosive bullet jacket and a helmet with a press fragments in the ankle and knee of signal and began broadcasting live his left leg, after the bullet injured events on the mobile phone after another demonstrator near him. she stood about 300 meters from Al-Ghoul immediately fell to the the separation fence where the ground, and then he was taken by Israeli soldiers stand. At about 5:00 some demonstrators to Abu Yousef pm, soldiers fired a large number Hospital, where he arrived at 10:30 of tear gas at the area where she PM, after some x-rays were made was stand; one of the bombs hit her to him, it was found that there were directly in the right hand, specifically no fragments in his leg, the injury in the wrist. Several other bombs fell was stitched with four stitches in next to her, which blocked her vision the knee and one in the ankle. The and caused her to faint because of wound was dressed, and two hours gas and injury. After a short period later, he was discharged. But on the of time (several minutes) Madeline following day, he returned to the wake up and found herself at the hospital as he felt pain and suffered field medical point, where she a light bleeding. received the necessary treatments (27th Oct.) The Israeli occupation and went home, and two days later forces have seized thousands of the she felt dizzy which make her stay donums surrounding Al-Mazra’a Al- at home. Gharbiya and Al-Janiya, to the west (24th Oct.) The injury of “Misk of Ramallah, in the central West Press” photographer, Anas Rouhi Bank. Since the beginning of 2018,

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 157 2018 Details of violations the settlers have been attempting cell phone, and my thigh area was to establish a settlement road that wounded by the fragments”. He was would surround the villages of Nabi transferred to Al-Istishari Hospital, in Saleh, Deir Nizam, Deir Ammar, Al-Rihan neighborhood, in Ramallah, Beitelu, Umm Safa, Kobar, Jibiya and by an ambulance, where he received Burham. This raises the concerns the necessary treatment and the of the Palestinians, especially the doctors informed him that he population of these villages, that the needs five days rest in the hospital new settlement road will serve as a until he recovers. Furthermore, the prelude to connect 11 settlements occupation forces, on the same day, altogether to result in an outpost have assaulted the press agencies, as part of settlement blocs, and this fired tear gas bombs at them, will lead to separating northwest and prevented them from media Ramallah, and west Ramallah from coverage. This has affected Palestine the entire city of Ramallah, which TV reporter, Ali Mohammad Dar Ali, will result in complete isolation of (35 years old), and the photographer, these villages, which is why their Shamekh Jareh Al-Jaghoub (35 population have organized popular years old). They also detained Al- mass protests and demonstrations A’lam TV staff for more than one to take place every Friday, near their hour, including the photographer, confiscated lands, which will attract Mohammad Aref Al-Tamimi (43 most of the press agencies for media years old), and the reporter, Samah coverage. Mahmoud Kahla (29 years old), and According to MADA field researcher, they seized their press cards. They clashes erupted between the families also forced the photographer “Al- who have demonstrated on Friday, Tamimi” to lie face down throughout corresponding 27 Oct. 2018, and his detention. the Israeli. The clashes grew more (27th Oct.) The Preventive Security severe at around 5:30 PM, when the Services in Ramallah has arrested Israeli Border Police officers have the journalist, Mohammad Shukri, fired live bullets from a distance of after he was summoned. 30 meters at the demonstrators The journalist, Mohammad Shukri who were throwing stones, which Awad, born in 1987, works for Al- led to the death of the young man, Quds TV, has received summons at Othman Ahmad Ali Ladadweh, (33 his house, in Bodros, west Ramallah, years old) and the injury of eight from the Preventive Security more, one of which was described as Services asking him to come to the extremely critical, which is an injury headquarters in Al-Balou, Al-Bireh, by a gunshot in the head. Among on 30 Oct. 2018. Indeed, he went those injured due to this shooting, to the headquarters, and after he is the freelance photojournalist (also arrived, his press card issued by the works for Al-Quds Open University Journalists Syndicate was seized Media Department), Mohammad and he was searched the moment Hassan Shreiteh, 23 years old, injured he entered the headquarters. Then by a gunshot in his right thigh. His he was taken to the investigation wounds were described as moderate room at 11:00 AM, the questioning and he stated to MADA researcher session lasted for 20 minutes, and “luckily, the bullet went through my the questions were about his work

158 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations and participation in the field events him to sign on that. Meanwhile, the and his frequent visits to Al-Bireh Legal Advisor received a phone Childhood Development Center call informing him to cancel the where he organizes press training procedures of transferring him to courses. The investigator asked him the court, and as a result, one of the to stay in the room alone for an hour officers came and said to him “we’ve and a half, then four officers came confirmed that you have no relation and took him by a green van of the with the case of transferring funds Preventive Security Services to the from Gaza to the West Bank and that headquarters in Betunia, located 4 the man who claimed that is a liar”. kilometers away from Ramallah. His Few minutes before he was released, cell phone and everything he was at 3:00 PM, he was informed by carrying were seized, he was asked the Services Administration to to untie his shoes and it was taken come to the Preventive Security from him. At 3:00 PM, one of the Services headquarters in Al-Balou investigators came and asked him neighborhood, on 4 August 2018, at questions about a person, named 11:00 AM. “Mohammad Mustafa Awad”, at It is noteworthy that the journalist odds with his father (Mohammad Mohammad Awad, was arrested Shukri Awad’s father) concerning eight times since 2008 until 2018 the inheritance, and that this person and he spent nearly 16 months in has claimed that amounts of money Palestinian prisons between the were transferred to him through Preventive Security Services and the Awad from Gaza Strip considering Palestinian Intelligence Service, the him the son of a martyr. The person longest of which was 6 months in claimed that he received the money, 2011. but Awad denied all of these charges (30th Oct.) An Israeli Army force has and told the investigator that this invaded the house of the journalist, man is at odds with his father, Thaer Ziad Al-Fakhouri (12 Sep. and that he already threatened 1989), who is responsible for Al- his father a week before his arrest Jazeera Palestinian page on the with preparing a report against the social networking sites and a staff journalist Awad to imprison him. member in the Public Relations Awad asked the investigators to Department of Hebron Municipality, bring any evidence of such claims, located in Wadi Qatila in the north after that he was taken to a cell (2 of Hebron under the full control of meters width, 80 cm). Only then he the Palestinian Authority within Area realized that he was indeed arrested, (A). so he announced his hunger strike According to MADA researcher, and returned the meal. He stayed the journalist, Thaer Al-Fakhouri, at for an entire night in that cell, and around 1:00 AM, at dawn, on 30 Oct. on the following day, corresponding 2018, has heard loud knocking on the 31 Oct. 2018, the Legal Advisor of door of his house, where he, his wife, the Preventive Security Services and two children live. He also heard came and asked him about the the sound of soldiers asking him to number of times he was arrested open the door “it’s the army, open by the Palestinian and Israeli your door”. Thaer opened the door, security agencies, then he asked

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 159 2018 Details of violations the officer who was wearing civilian years old), located in Al-Mazra’a clothes started talking in Hebrew, Al-Gharbiya, north-west Ramallah. loudly and nervously, addressing The soldiers asked all of his family Thaer and telling him that they members to gather in the outside of want to search the house. Thaer the house and began to search the asked them to wait a minute until house, which lasted about two hours. he informs his wife and children, but Then they arrested the journalist the officer told him that he wants to Shreiteh, his father and his brother speak with him. In the meantime, 10 and took them to a camp close to female and male soldiers from Israel the village of Janniyah (also west of Border Police entered the house. Ramallah). After about 4 hours, they The officer asked Thaer of his point took them to Ofer camp in Betunia, of view on the Foreign policy of Ramallah. They were interrogated by Donald Trump and about his 6 years the Israeli intelligence and the district of imprisonment. He told him that officer known as Diab for about two he has a file on Thaer that it is not hours. The journalist Shreiteh, his closed yet, and it needs to be closed, father and his brother were brought and that there is a new Israeli officer together and threatened to destroy in Hebron who wants to meet Thaer their home if their third brother in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Maher did not surrender to the soldiers have already searched the Israeli army. At 7:00PM on the same house, took photos of the rooms, evening, about 14 hours after they and Thaer’s car, and left the house were arrested, they were released. at 1:45 AM. They were also asked to go to the November occupation intelligence in Ofer Camp, on Sunday, corresponding (1st Nov.) The Israeli occupation 4 Nov. 2018, they indeed went on forces recently have carried out the scheduled day and waited successive arrests in Al-Mazra’a about 3 hours until they met the Al-Gharbiya, Ramallah, apparently district officer, Diab, “3 hours until in connection with protests and we met the officer, “Diab,” who re- demonstrations organized by its threatened them to arrest them and residents and several neighboring raid the house. They were released villages for several months against after about two hours. Israeli settlements targeting their It should be noted that the journalist, lands and threatening to isolate Shreiteh was arrested by the Israeli their villages and turn them into Occupation on 28 March 2018, and cantons. These arrests have affected he was detained for several days in the journalist, Thaer Mohammad Ofer prison. Shreiteh. (1st Nov.) An occupation force According to the investigations has arrested the journalist, Nidal of MADA field researcher, a force Naem Abu Aker, (50 years old), escorted with several patrols, and the presenter of Al-Wihda Radio around 50 soldiers of the occupation programs, in Dheisheh Camp, army, at 2:30AM, on Thursday, attacked and beaten him and his corresponding 1st Nov. 2018, has family members, at dawn, on the raided the house of the journalist, 1st of Nov. The journalist, Abu Aker, Thaer Mohammad Shreiteh, (33 stated to MADA “at 5:00AM, at dawn,

160 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations on Thursday, corresponding 1st of located 10 kilometers to the Nov. 2018, an occupation army force northwest of Ramallah, has been composed of about 80-100 soldiers witnessing demonstrations every has raided Dheisheh Camp, where I Friday, each month, to protest live. Part of the force were deployed against the establishment of a on the roofs adjacent to my house settlement road in Na’alan Mountain and across the neighborhood, while (part of the neighboring village, Al- around 12-15 soldiers have attacked Mazra’a Al-Sharqiya) to connect the building where I live, smashed Talmon Settlement with a settlement the door of the first floor, and after outpost called Kerem Ra’em, as part I heard the sounds of breaking-in, of the settlement of Talmon. I opened the door and waited for On Friday morning, corresponding them in the third floor, where I live. 2nd Nov. 2018, dozens of activists They entered the house brutally and from Al-Mazra’a Al-Gharbiya assaulted all of my family members went to the lands threatened with (my wife, my daughters, me and confiscation and reached the peak of my son) with their weapons. My Na’alan Mountain. At approximately daughters’ hands were wounded, 10:30AM, vast forces of the Israeli and my head was hit against the army, border guards and Israeli wall three times. Some of the house intelligence officers arrived and furniture was broken while they were asked everyone to leave the area, trying, by force, to get my wife and including the journalists. One of daughter in the bathroom. I tried to the occupation officers (speaking find out why they were attacking us in English and Hebrew), addressed and if they wanted to arrest me or Palestine Today TV reporter, the my son Mohammad, but they did journalist, Jihad Ibrahim Barakat, not answer and they kept beating us. (29 years old), and Al-Ghad TV After about 20 minutes in the house, photographer, Mohammad Al- they handcuffed our hands by plastic Khateeb, to leave Na’alan Mountain bands, blindfolded us, and took me area considering it a “closed military and my son, Mohammad, out of the zone”, and he showed them a decision house on foot for a distance of 300- issued by the occupation army and 400 meters while the beatings and asked them to show their personal insulting continued and we were identity cards. He threatened them taken in separated jeeps to Etzion to arrest anyone who does not leave Center, where we arrived at about the area (did they leave or not .. what 6:30. We stayed there until 09:00, has happened). After Friday prayers, during which we were taken to at around 12:50PM, clashes erupted another place inside the detention between a group of Palestinian center. At around 09:30AM, I was demonstrators and the occupation handed over to another army unit forces in that area. The soldiers fired and stayed there for half an hour. tear gas bombs and rubber bullets After that, I was sent to the nearest at the demonstrators. A group of point to area (a) in a jeep, and I was journalists, wearing the press vests released. I arrived home at 10:00AM, and helmets, and holding the press while my son, Mohammad, remained badge, were standing at a distance in detention”. of 100 meters away from the soldiers (2nd Nov.) Al-Mazra’a Al-Gharbiya, to cover the events. Three soldiers

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 161 2018 Details of violations of the border guards, in their dark Broadcasting Corporation “Palestine green uniforms, approached them, TV”, the journalist, Fuad Kamal while the smoke of the tear gas Masoud Jarada (35 years old), bombs was covering the area. They the TV photographer, Mohammad started pushing the journalists to Ziada Issa Nassar, and the producer the back and prevented them from Yousef Ahmad Mohammad Abu covering the events. In other words, Maghsib, on the afternoon of 4 Nov. they hampered their work and did 2018, have went to Beit Hanoun not allow them to leave where they checkpoint to cover the moment of came from. The journalists were left arrival of prisoners released from the in a middle ground between the Israeli occupation jails. At around demonstrators and the soldiers. This 03:00PM, the reporter, Fuad Jarada, has affected the journalists: Munther has asked for a permission from Mohammad Shahadeh Al-Khateeb, those at gate 4/4 to have access the photographer of Al-Ghad TV, to gate 5/5 to capture and film the Abbas Abdelwahhab Al-Momani (47 moment when the prisoners meet years old), and the photographer their families closely. However, of “Al-Hayat Al-Jadida” Newspaper, Hamas police officers refused; Issam Huda Al-Rimawi (35 years therefore, the producer, Yousef old), Anatolia Agency photographer, Abu Maghsib, contacted the Media Hisham Kamel Abu Shaqra (30 years Department Director at the Ministry old), Al-Ghad TV photographer, of Interior, Bader Al-Deen, who Diaa Ahmad Housheya (36 years promised to facilitate the process. old), Palestine TV photographer, However, this did not happen, and Shamekh Jareh Al-Jaghoub (38 the producer again contacted Bader years old), Iran TV photographer, but the later did not respond to his Khaled Ali Sabarneh (47 years old), repeated calls, so he sent him a text Ayat Khaled Arqawi (29 years old), to his phone, and he replied that Al-Quds Net Website photographer, he is trying to communicate with Abdalrahman Mohammad Mousa the officer in charge of the gate. Younes (32 years old). Iran TV A few minutes later he went back photographer, Khaled Sabarneh to Hamas security officers at Gate stated “the soldiers violently and 4/4. Their response was that the aggressively pushed us away, until entrance of the Palestinian TV staff they left us in the middle ground to gate 5/5 to film the prisoners between the tear gas of the was subject to the approval of the occupation army and the stones of PA intelligence services on the demonstrators”. entry of Al-Jazeera photographer. (4th Nov.) Some security elements of Abu Maghsib contacted Palestine Hamas in Gaza Strip have prevented TV Administration in Ramallah to Palestine TV staff from covering the contact the intelligence services, release of prisoners from Israeli jails and the later approved to allow Al- when they left Beit Hanoun Erez Jazeera photographer to enter the checkpoint at the entrance to Gaza gate. But Palestine TV staff was not Strip. allowed to enter Gate 5/5. Therefore, the staff returned after waiting According to the investigations of about two hours without covering MADA field researcher, the Director the event. of Reporters of the Palestinian

162 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

(5th Nov.) The Israeli occupation Bethlehem, is surrounded by six forces detained the reporter and Israeli patrols. At first, an intelligence the photographer of Al-Ghad TV in officer dressed in civilian clothes, Hebron and deleted the press report wearing a military vest, came to they were preparing and working on. my uncle’s house and introduced According to the investigations of himself in the name of Adnan. He MADA field researcher, on Monday, asked him about me and told him corresponding 5 Nov. 2018, after that he knew I live in the first floor Al-Ghad TV staff, including the and immediately went to the first reporter, Raed Mohammad Sameer floor and asked my father about Rateb Al-Sharif (35 years old), and me. The officer entered our house the photographer, Jamil Hashim with no less than ten soldiers. They “Mohammad Jamil” Salhab Al- searched the house, in particular my Tamimi (26 years old), completed room and my brother’s room, and and finished shooting north of messed around with all of the rooms’ Hebron, to prepare a report on the objects. They also seized a collection detainees of Hebron Governorate, of my books, including my books three Israeli soldiers have stopped of Bethlehem Bible College, and a the staff at the Israeli Military Tower scenario of documentary films for my located to the northern entrance brother, who works as a journalist for of Hebron, separating Hebron from the American TV, DeepDesh, and he Halhoul, at around 2:40PM, on that is on a visit at the present time. They day (Monday, corresponding 5 wanted to seize a set of hard discs Nov. 2015), and addressed them in but did not do so after I told them Hebrew and English “shooting in that they belong to my brother. They that area is prohibited”, and they also wanted to seize my brother’s forced them to turn on the camera, American identity card. I was asked claiming that the photographer has to start up the laptop, they searched taken pictures of the military tower. it and accessed the files on it as well The soldiers checked the identity as some videos, some pictures of the cards of Al-Tamimi and Al-Sharif, and Scouts, some of my pictures while seized them to get them to leave the volunteering in the Civil Defense site. After one hour and 40 minutes and some of my media coverage. I of detention, the soldier deleted the was questioned by the officer about filmed material off the camera, gave my previous job at MAAN Network them back their cards, and allowed and my former PNN job. He also them to leave at 4:20PM. told me that they had been tracking me for two years. He accused me of (7th Nov.) Israeli forces raided the encouraging citizens in Al-Walaja to house of the volunteer journalist take part in marches, so I can cover working for WAFA News Agency, some events even though I told him Ibrahim Mohammed Awadallah, (30 that I am a volunteer only at WAFA. years old), at midnight, searched the house and interrogated him. Awadallah stated that six months Awadallah said: “I was surprised at ago he received a phone call from 12 o’clock in the middle of the night the Israeli intelligence against the on (7th Nov. 2018) that our house backdrop of a post on his Facebook in Al-Walaja, which is a few meters account which stated that “After away from the Apartheid Wall in the intransigence of the Zionist

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 163 2018 Details of violations occupation for three months to been covering these events since prevent the paving of the main and last July. At around 3:35, while he only entrance of Al-Walaja, Al-Walaja was covering the event, located at Village Council, with the support a distance of 230 meters away from of the families of the village and its the separating fence, to the other foundations, has paved the road side of which the Israeli soldiers against the will of the occupation”, were deployed, and while he was and that “after discussion about this shooting the events with a Nikon post, I hanged up the phone on the Camera, the occupation soldiers officer at the time, so the officer fired a barrage of tear gas bombs told me today, after taking all of my and rubber-coated metal bullets at phones’ numbers, that I must go the demonstrators, which led to his meet them at any place whenever injury by a rubber-coated bullet on they ask, and about an hour later, the top of his head. Immediately, he they left the house”. fell to the ground, some paramedics (10th Nov.) The journalist of the transferred him to the field medical Palestinian Center for Media point of the Palestinian Red Crescent Production, Ahmad Issam Shaqoura, Society, established to the north was injured by a rubber-coated of the demonstration, where he metal bullet in his head, fired by an received first aid and then he was Israeli soldier, while he was covering taken to the Indonesian Hospital in a demonstration as part of the Jabalia. He arrived the hospital in peaceful return marches, east of Beit few minutes, where his head was Lahia, in Gaza Strip. imaged, and the doctors found that his injury was moderate. He was According to the investigations of discharged at 4:25PM. MADA field researcher, the journalist, Ahmad Issam Shaqoura, a single (11th Nov.) Some Israeli soldiers have man, born on 24 July 1993, from prevented Reuters photographer, Al-Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, Mousa Issa Al-Qawasmeh and the Gaza Strip, a holder of Press and European Agency photographer in Public Relations Certificate through Hebron and Bethlehem, Abdel-Hafiz a training completed with Palestine Diab Al-Hashlamoun from covering Today TV, works for the Palestinian a demonstration in Al-Fawwar Center for Media Production P.M.P., camp, detained and threatened has arrived at the afternoon of ….. them with arrest if they covered the to the area located against Zikim demonstrations. military site, northwest of Beit According to the investigations Lahia, Gaza Strip, accompanied by of MADA field researcher, on 11th his coworkers, the photographer, Nov. 2018, several marches and Ramzi Abu Amer, and the reporter, demonstrations were witnessed Huda Hijazi, staff members of the in some of the Palestinian cities, Media Production Center, to cover towns and camps, throughout the events of day 15 of the “Maritime the West Bank, for the purpose of March/Al-Maseer Al-Bahri”, taking commemorating the death of the place there as part of the peaceful Palestinian President, Yasser Arafat. return marches, which have erupted As part of these demonstrations, several months ago in Gaza Strip. It there was a march taking place should be noted that Shaqoura has in Al-Fawwar Camp, Hebron.

164 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

Reuters photographer, Mousa Issa 12 Nov. 2018, on his way back home Al-Qawasmeh, and the European from work at the TV headquarters, Agency photographer in Hebron the caller introduced himself as “Abu and Bethlehem, Abdel-Hafiz Diab Daoud” from the Israeli Intelligence, Al-Hashlamoun, at around 02:00PM, and asked him where he was? The on 11 Nov. 2018, went to Al-Fawwar journalist Al-Sharfa replied that he Camp to cover the march. Few was at home, as he has just arrived minutes after their arrival, the home then. The Israeli officer asked occupation army prevented them him to tell his coworkers to evacuate from shooting, seized their personal the TV headquarters as it will be identity cards, and their press cards, bombed by the Israeli warplanes in and took them behind the military ten minutes. Al-Sharfa asked him tower, located at the junction of about a proof of his sincerity, the Al-Fawwar Camp, south of Hebron. officer replied “when you see the The Israeli soldier returned the missiles of the aerial reconnaissance identity to the photographer Mousa, aircraft you will be certain, and bear about ten minutes later, but kept the liability of your coworkers’ lives the photographer, Abdel-Hafiz in if you do not tell them, now you detention down by the tower for go and step by each room and tell more than an hour and a half, after them to evacuate the headquarters”. he asked them how they knew Immediately after the phone call, Al- about the clashes in the region (the Sharfa contacted his coworkers and demonstration). At approximately indeed told them to evacuate the 02:00PM, the soldier returned the headquarters, and he found that the identity of the photographer Abdel- same caller has contacted some of Hafiz, where the demonstration and his coworkers at the headquarters as clashes have ended in the area, and well, namely: the Programs Director, threatened them (in English) with Imad Zaqout, the anchor, Islam Bader, arrest in the event of “taking part in and informed them to immediately any acts of disrupting order”. evacuate the headquarters as it (12th Nov.) The Israeli army has will be bombed. Immediately, the bombed the headquarters of Al-Aqsa staff of the headquarters began to TV in Gaza with several missiles fired leave. Before leaving, the “warning” by Israeli warplanes, a few minutes reconnaissance missiles were fired after a telephone call from an Israeli at intervals around 8:30PM. About army officer informing them with eight “warning” missiles were fired the army’s intention to destroy the at the headquarters in about half an headquarters, and asking them to hour. At 9:00 an F16 aircraft began evacuate it. targeting the headquarters with four missiles fired intermittently According to the statement of the until 9:25PM, which led to the full journalist, Saleem Muhsen Al-Sharfa, destruction of the headquarters, the presenter and producer of including the equipment, as the programs at Al-Aqsa TV, to MADA staff could not take out anything. field researcher, the journalist (Al- Furthermore, the destruction of the Sharfa) has received a phone call headquarters caused damage to from a private number (did not the citizens’ houses near it. The TV show the caller number), at around transmission interrupted completely 8:20PM, on Monday, corresponding

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 165 2018 Details of violations for few minutes, but Al-Aqsa TV (14th Nov.) Some Palestinian security soon began to resume broadcasting officers in civilian clothes have from elsewhere. MADA researcher prevented journalists from covering who witnessed the bombing of a sit-in in solidarity with the Yemeni the headquarters from the very people, organized in the center of the beginning has monitored that a city of Ramallah, not to mention that reconnaissance plane targeted the they broke the equipment of a group headquarters with eight missiles of female journalists, while the police and about two minutes between officers who were present refused to each missile and the other, before intervene and protect them. the F16 war planes fired four missiles According to the investigations which completely destroyed the of MADA field researcher, on headquarters. The director of Wednesday, corresponding 14 Nov. Al-Aqsa TV, Ibrahim Thaher, has 2018, some activists have organized stated to MADA researcher that the a sit-in in Al-Manara Square in headquarters “consists of five floors central Ramallah in solidarity with with a total area of 1000 square the Yemeni people, against the meters (half of which is the studios), war waged by the Arab coalition and that about 220 staff members led by Saudi Arabia three years are working in it. He estimated the ago and the resulting humanitarian losses incurred as a result of the tragedies. The demonstrators have destruction of this headquarters by raised signs condemning what they about four million American Dollars. called “the aggression against the He emphasized that the time given to Yemeni people” and that it has to evacuate the headquarters was not be stopped. While a number of sufficient. Not to mention the great journalists went to cover this sit- number of staff members who were in, including the journalist, Nizar not able to take out any of the heavy Adimoun Habash (34 years old), equipment and machinery, which who works as a reporter for WATAN led to their destruction and damage Agency, with its headquarters in as well”. This is the second time in Ramallah. While the journalist, which Al-Aqsa TV headquarters is Habash was live broadcasting to destroyed, as the last time it was WATAN TV page, two persons in bombed was during Gaza War 2014. civilian clothing approached him and prevented him from doing his work or continue broadcasting and they asked him to switch off his phone. He immediately asked them who they were and they told him that they were security officers, even though they had forcibly prevented him from filming and continuing to do his job. As to the media students of Birzeit University, Lama Ayman Samhan (20 years old), Siwar Abed Rabbo (20 years old), and Maha The headquarters of al-Aqsa satellite channel after being hit by Israeli missiles Al-Sheikh (20 years old), they have in the Gaza Strip arrived to the area to prepare a TV

166 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations report as required by one of their (16th Nov.) The journalist, Ibrahim courses. A person in civil clothing Ahmad Darwish Al-Madhoun, was approached them and asked injured by a rubber bullet in his face them not to film anything (at that fired at him by one of the Israeli moment, they were about to film/ occupation soldiers while he was using a stand/in front of the camera covering the events of the peaceful to cover the event), he threatened return march in Malka, east of Gaza to destroy their camera. When Lama Strip. asked him who he was, he refused to According to the investigations answer, and again he asked them to of MADA field researcher, Ibrahim do what he said. They then went to a Ahmad Darwish Al-Madhoun, police officer who was at Al-Manara (23 years old), a single man, square in his official uniform and Palestinian and holding I.D. Card No. told him that someone had harassed (400884227), a freelance journalist, them while they were filming a has arrived at around 2:30PM, on training report. The police officer Friday, corresponding 16th Nov. told them to do what that person 2018, to Malka, located on border asked them to do. They moved 30 (with Israel) east of Gaza, to cover meters away from the area, close the events of the peaceful return to the parking near Palestine Bank march, organized each Friday, since and tried to set up the “stand” again, the 30th March 2018, to break the “but immediately the young man, in siege on Gaza Strip. He was wearing the civilian clothing, returned back a blue vest marked “Press”, he has to us and broke the camera and the borrowed from one of his colleagues, tripod (This has caused damage to and he was carrying his own camera. the camera lens, completely, as well When he arrived, he saw a crowd as the microphone which fell to the of unarmed citizens, arriving to the ground), and then he quickly left”. place to take part in the march. The student, Lama, followed him Immediately after the afternoon, and asked the police to stop him around 3:00PM, as usual, the because he had destroyed their number of demonstrators increased journalistic equipment. One of the significantly. Al-Madhoun began police officers, in his official uniform, taking photos of the demonstrators addressed her “I do not want to and kept pace with their approach hear anything, and asked one of his towards the border, while the Israeli colleagues to take him – the person occupation forces were randomly who assaulted them - away from the firing gas bombs, rubber and live area very quickly” as Lama stated. At bullets at the demonstrators and staff around 5:30PM, “we asked the police (…does this include the journalist as present in the area, at Al-Manara well). At around 04:00PM, while he square to protect us, and they told was covering the events at a distance us to go to the police headquarters, of 100 meters away from the “first” in Ein Musbah, near Ramallah, to file spiral metal wire and around 200 a complaint”. When they went to meters away from the second wire, the police headquarters, the police behind of which the occupation officers “kicked us out and told us to soldiers were deployed, dozens of go to the general investigation office meters behind earthen berms, he to file the complaint”. heard the sound of gunfire coming

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 167 2018 Details of violations from the occupation soldiers, and TV staff, including the Director suddenly his vision went blank and of the Palestinian Broadcasting he felt imbalanced which is why he Corporation Office in Nablus, leaned on a young man next to him Abdelnasser Sadat Ahmad Ibrahim while others gathered around him (52 years old), the TV reporter, Baker and realized at that moment that Mamdouh Mohammad Abdelhaq (29 he was wounded in the face. Later it years old), and the photographer, turned out that he has been injured Loay Abdelhafeeth Aref Samhan by a rubber bullet. The young men (38 years old), have went, before then took him to the ambulance the afternoon of 17 Nov. 2018, to Urif, which was close to the site where located 12 kilometers south of Nablus, he was, and immediately transferred to cover a peaceful demonstration him to the field hospital, located called for by the Commission about 500 meters away from against the Wall and Colonization, the border, where his injury was and the Coordinating committees examined by the doctors and they for the cultivation of olive trees (is assured him that his eye was not there a party concerned with the injured, and there are no fractures, olive trees planting activity in the and that the injury is basically below lands threatened with confiscation the left eye (left cheek) and that the in Urif) whose lands and residents lack of vision in his eyes is caused are constantly subjected to settler by the swelling of the injury. He was attacks. When they reached Urif, given some painkillers, and his injury the staff was surprised with the was dressed with bandages. He occupation army surrounding the stayed about 20 minutes in the field area where the event is planned to hospital under health supervision take place and preventing them and then he was discharged to have from approaching. However, the some rest at home provided he shall TV staff approached to cover the continue dressing the injury. Indeed, gathering, and the occupation army at around 4:30PM, he left to home, began to fire a barrage of tear gas and he was still suffering from blurry bombs at all demonstrators and vision and pain. On the following towards the journalists and media day, corresponding 17 Nov. 2018, crews who were close to Urif the vision improved and returned School, as well as towards those normal and most of the swelling taking part in the planting of olive disappeared, but he continued to trees. This has resulted in the injury feel pain in the place of injury for of the Director of the Palestinian several days. Broadcasting Corporation Office in (17th Nov.) Palestine TV staff Nablus, Abdelnasser Sadat Ahmad members have suffered suffocation Ibrahim with suffocation and severe as a result of the gas bombs fired shortness of breath, especially since by the Israeli occupation forces at he already suffers from asthma. He the staff while covering the event was immediately transferred by of planting olive trees in lands an ambulance and treated in the threatened with confiscation in Urif field by giving him muzzles and in Nablus on 17 Nov. 2018. voltaren for breathing. He remained in the ambulance for about half an According to the investigations of hour. In addition, his colleague, the MADA field researcher, Palestine

168 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations photographer, Loay Samhan, was protest against the Israeli attacks injured at the same time and he against media freedoms and to was given the first aid by a number emphasize the right of journalists to of paramedics near him who ran movement. More than 40 journalists, and gave him oxygen and other including a number of Arab and materials to reduce gas suffocation. foreign journalists who arrived to His third colleague, Baker, was able Ramallah to take part in the meeting to leave the area immediately after of the International Federation and the soldiers fired gas bombs which the scheduled conference, went to reduced the chance of his injury. Qalandia checkpoint at the northern (17th Nov.) Nine journalists, including entrance to Jerusalem, and they the president and vice president were wearing blue press vests and of the International Federation of carrying international press cards Journalists (IFJ) and the chairman of in their hands. At Qalandia refugee the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, camp, adjacent to the barrier, a were severely suffocated as a result press conference was held in which of the Israeli army’s repression of it was explained that the march journalists at the entrance of the was aimed at protesting against the City of Jerusalem to emphasize their Israeli attacks and crimes targeting right to movement and to protest journalists in Palestine and to against the Israeli attacks on media emphasize their right to movement. freedoms in Palestine. After about 15 minutes, at 12:15PM, they proceeded in a march holding According to the investigations the international press cards in of MADA field researcher, their hands, the president of the the International Federation IFJ Philip Lorient, took part as well of Journalists (with its main in the march, in addition to the vice headquarters in Brussels) decided president of the IFJ, Younis Mujahed, this year to transfer its annual and the chairman of the Palestinian meeting to the city of Ramallah to Journalists Syndicate, Naser Abu hold it as a kind of solidarity with Bajer, with the participation of the Palestinian journalists. Therefore, dozens of Palestinian journalists the members of the International and members of the IFJ’s Executive Federation’s executive board arrived Board. When they were about to the city for this purpose and to 300 meters away from Qalandia participate in a conference prepared checkpoint, soldiers from the by the Palestinian Journalists Israeli border guards began firing a Syndicate to take place in parallel barrage of tear gas bombs by means with the meeting of the International of a launcher installed on an Israeli Federation under the title “Journalists military vehicle. The soldiers also in the crossfire”. At about 12:00 fired a number of tear gas bombs at PM, on 17 November 2018, (one the journalists in the demonstration. day before the annual meeting Injuring at least nine journalists with of the International Federation severe suffocation, namely: of Journalists), the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate organized a 1. Philip Lorient, the President of peaceful march at Qalandia Israeli the International Federation of military checkpoint, which separates Journalists. Jerusalem from the West Bank, to 2. Younis Mujahed, the Vice

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 169 2018 Details of violations

President of the International (18th Nov.) Al-Mazra’a Al-Gharbiya, Federation of Journalists. located 10 kilometers away from 3. Nasser Abu Baker, the Chairman Ramallah City, is subject to Israeli of the Palestinian Syndicate of settlement procedures, since several Journalists. months, aimed at connecting several settlements altogether and turn 4. Abdel Wahab Zghailat, the Head them into a single settlement bloc of the Freedoms Committee of called “Talmonim”. According to the International Federation of the Commission against the Wall Journalists. and Colonization, the Israeli settlers 5. Adriana / member of the and authorities are working on International Federation’s establishing a settlement road to Executive Board as a connect the settlements of Nahlael, representative of Colombia Talmon, Erem Karem, with the 6. Manal Khamees/ a member in settlement blocs, Modi’in Illit, Kiryat the General Secretariat of the Sefer. Palestinian Journalists Syndicate According to the investigations 7. Mohammad Allaham/ Head of of MADA field researcher, one of the Freedoms Committee of the the American journalists, Stephon Palestinian Journalists Syndicate Lamont, 45 years old, works for 8. Omar Nazzal/ a member in TeleSUR News Website, at around the General Secretariat of the 1:00PM, on 18 Nov. 2018, has arrived Palestinian Journalists Syndicate with one of his friends, the activists of the International Solidarity 9. The journalist, Ayed Owemer, Movement, called Baldwin Carnegie, Palestine TV. to Na’lan Mountain hill (subject, “I had an interview with one of the along with the surrounding lands, to Arab media agencies and we were the settlers assaults), accompanied at least 300 meters away from the with a number of activists from Al- checkpoint. The soldiers fired a Mazra’a Al-Gharbiya, to film the barrage of tear gas bombs at us. We attacks and assaults of the settlers, were in a peaceful march aimed at including damaging the water tanks, delivering a clear message, but there electricity wires, and the water was a decision to suppress us. I was network of the park located at the injured by a gas bomb in my right hill of Na’lan Mountain. When the shoulder and I suffered suffocation” journalist Stephon was filming, an as stated by the Chairman of the Israeli settler riding a horse and Palestinian Journalists Syndicate putting a Kippah above his head, commenting on what happened and a small hat worn by religious Jews his injury. While Manal Khamees, the above their heads, arrived and member of the General Secretariat began yelling at everyone there that of the Journalists Syndicate, this land was “the land of Israel” stated that she has suffered severe and asked them to leave the area at suffocation, and could not move. She gunpoint. He was carrying a Colt 45 was transferred in a private vehicle and deliberately fired at them willing to a nearby medical center where to kill and wound them. He fired eight she underwent examinations and live bullets within 15 minutes. All of received the necessary treatment. the persons in the area (including

170 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations the journalist, Stephon) ran to find MADA field researcher, the journalist, a shelter from the bullets behind a Talaat Osama Talaat Mushtaha, a concrete wall. “However, the settler single man, born on 28 August 1997, fired two gunshots directly at me, holding a personal identity card even though I did not pose any No. (403059504), lives in Ahmad threat. I was carrying my camera in Yasin St., Gaza Strip, (media student my hand, and the press card was in Gaza Community College), hanged around my neck. After that, works for Misk Press Network, has the Israeli settler retreated, and we arrived, in the afternoon of Monday, quickly left the area” as stated the corresponding 19 Nov. 2018, with his American journalist, Stephon. This coworker, the journalist, Mohammad would have ended in tragedy, if they Al-Khaldi, to cover the events of the had not rushed to take shelter behind “16th day of the maritime march/ a concrete wall as stated Wassim Al-Maseer Al-Bahri”, organized as Ahmad Ladadwa, an employee at part of the peaceful return marches, Al-Mazra’a Al-Gharbiya Municipality, launched on the 30th of March 2018, who was with the American in Gaza Strip. Like other journalists, journalist. “What happened could Mushataha makes sure to always have claimed the lives of a number cover such events. At approximately of us, especially the journalist 03:00PM, while he was about 50 Stephon. The settler who did this is meters away from the separating a well-known extremist settler who fence, on the other side of which constantly threatens us and kicks the Israeli soldiers were deployed, us out from our land. He fired the and while he was filming this march gunshots at the journalist and we with a “Canon” camera, behind the began to shout so that the journalist demonstrators, the occupation would quickly find a shelter. We were soldiers fired a barrage of tear gas surrounded by a concrete wall, the bombs and rubber-coated metal bullets fragments were evident in bullets at the demonstrators. He was the wall”. injured by a rubber-coated metal (19th Nov.) On the afternoon of bullet in his left leg (below the knee). Monday, corresponding 19 Nov. 2018, Immediately, he fell to the ground, hundreds of Palestinian citizens the paramedics who were there, have gathered against Zikim Israeli rushed and carried him to the field Military Site, located on the coastal medical point of the Palestinian Red borders separating between Gaza Crescent Society, established to the Strip and Israel, to the west of Beit south of the demonstration, where Lahia, Gaza Strip, concurrently with he received the first aid, and then he the Palestinian boats right across was taken to the Indonesian Hospital the mentioned gathering, in order in Jabalia, where he arrived 20 to take part in a maritime march minutes later. In the hospital, his leg called for by the High Leadership was imaged, and the doctors found Commission of the Return Marches that his injured was moderate. He was and Breaking the Siege, as part of discharged at around 08:00PM after the peaceful demonstrations which he received the necessary treatment. erupted several months ago to break At the same time, the journalist, the siege imposed on Gaza. Rashid Saed Khalil Rasheed, married, born on 27 Dec. 1970, According to the investigations of

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 171 2018 Details of violations holding I.D. Card No. (421448110), Hazem Emad Nasser, 28, a freelance from Sheikh Ajleen Neighborhood, photographer working with several west of Gaza, a photographer of satellite channels and media Associated Press Agency, was also organizations, went to the scene to injured by a gunshot in his left leg cover the event. During his filming, while he was 50 meters behind several soldiers approached him the demonstrators, away from the and drove him out of the place. He separating fence. Furthermore, the went through other roads between journalist, Ahmad Khamees Jassir the buildings to approach the scene Hasabbalh, a single man, born of the demolition. he walked about on 28 February 1994, holding I.D. 3 kilometers to reach the site of the Card No. (804566545), from Tal demolition were groups of youths Al-Hawa, Gaza, a photographer of where throwing stones at the Images Like Agency, was injured by soldiers. When he was seen by Israeli a rubber-coated metal bullet in his soldiers at the scene, he was attacked left arm, while he was 50 meters by a group of Israeli border guards behind the demonstrators, away who beat him on the head and chest, from the separating fence. Both although he was wearing a hat and photographers (Rashid and Ahmad) a jacket with a press badge. He fell were taken to the Red Crescent to the ground during the attack and Society medical point, where they had bruises in his chest. received the first aid, and then (22nd Nov.) Some of Hamas security they were taken to the Indonesian officers in Gaza Strip have prevented Hospital in Jabalia. Rashid’s wounds Palestine TV staff from capturing were described as serious. He shots of children who were selling underwent a surgery immediately, at Al-Saraya conjunction to use given the snapped tendons, slashed such photos for a report on the arteries, and fracture in the tibia as a suffering of children in Gaza result of his injury. A platinum plate Strip. The staff was taken to the was placed to his leg in the surgery. investigation headquarters, the While the injury of the journalist, passports department in Gaza. They Hasabbalh was described as slight. were detained and questioned. The On the morning of the following day camera memory was seized. (Tuesday, corresponding 20 Nov. According to the investigations of 2018), Rashid was transferred to MADA field researcher, some of one of the hospitals in the occupied Hamas security officers in Gaza city of Jerusalem to complete the Strip, at 03:00PM, on Thursday, treatment there. corresponding 22 Nov. 2018, have (21th Nov.) At 08:00 on the prevented Palestine TV staff, morning of Wednesday, a large including the Director of Reporters force of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Broadcasting army and police stormed the area Corporation “Palestine TV”, the of Ras Khamis neighborhood, journalist, Fuad Kamal Masoud adjacent to Shufat refugee camp, Jarada (35 years old), the TV north of occupied Jerusalem. Israeli photographer, Mohammad Ziada bulldozers started demolishing Issa Nassar (42 years old), and the more than 16 shops there, under the producer Yousef Ahmad Mohammad pretext of building without a license. Abu Maghsib (38 years old) from

172 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations capturing footage of children media conference in the Republic of selling at Al-Saraya conjunction in Turkey. Gaza. While the staff was inside the According to the investigations vehicle to capture the footage of of MADA field researcher, Laith the children selling in the streets to Basem Yousef Jaarneh (21 years be used in a report on the suffering old), a third-year media student at of children, two person arrived An-Najah National University, from on a motorcycle, approached and Alar, north Tulkarem, holding I.D. introduced themselves as the Supply Card No. (402399505), has travelled Investigation Department of Hamas on Thursday, corresponding 15 Police. They asked the journalists Nov. 2018 from Tulkarem to the to identify the agency they are Republic of Turkey, and arrived working for and the reasons why the later on Friday, corresponding they were there, and what are their 16 Nov. 2018, to attend a media justifications of the children’s photos. conference there. On his way back After showing the press cards and from Turkey to Jordan, on Friday, answering all of the questions, they corresponding 22 Nov. 2018, he were asked to hand over the camera went to Irbid to visit some relatives. memory, but the staff refused to do On Sunday, corresponding 25 Nov. so. As a result, the staff were taken 2018, Jaarneh left Jordan heading to the Investigation Department to Palestine. At around 10:30AM, he for investigation purposes. They contacted his mother and informed were then taken to the office of the that he was detained by the Israeli director, Manar Al-Haddad, who Intelligence at the border bridge justified for the supply investigation between Jordan and Palestine (Al- officers that capturing such photos Karama Bridge). His mother tried is inappropriate in Gaza. Once the to contact him over and over again, camera memory was checked, their but his phone was unreachable. At names were registered as well as approximately 06:00PM, on the their addresses, they were released same day, Sunday, corresponding 25 but the camera memory was seized. Nov. 2018, she received a call from The staff was informed that they can a person who identified himself have the memory could be recovered as Adv. Naseem Abu Ghosh, from on Sunday, from the Governmental Israel, and informed her that her Media Office. However, this did not son Laith was detained by the Israeli actually happen, as the staff, on occupation and was transferred to Monday, contacted the person in Petah Tikva interrogation center. On charge in the mentioned Office, Tuesday, 27 Nov. 2018, the Jaarneh Salama Marouf, who informed the family was informed that their son staff that he has no idea about the was brought before a military court memory and does not what has in Petah Tikva on the same day and happened. that his detention was extended (25th Nov.) The Israeli occupation until Wednesday, corresponding 4 authorities have arrested An-Najah Dec. 2018. His mother, Amneh Najih National University media student, Ahmed Jaarneh, stated that her son Laith Yousef Jaarneh, on his way “suffers from back pain (spinal disc) back from travelling, at Al-Karama and the Irritable bowel and that he bridge, after he participated in a needs medical follow-up.” He was

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 173 2018 Details of violations arrested last year for a month by the of Wadi Hilwa Information Center, Israeli occupation and was arrested Jawad Siam, while he was covering by the Palestinian Preventive a peaceful protest, at Salah Al-Deen Security for 23 days in Ramadan of St., Jerusalem, and decided to take 2018. him away from Salah Al-Deen and Al- (23rd Nov.) At around 02:15PM, on Sultan Sulaiman streets in Jerusalem Friday, corresponding 23 Nov. 2018, and prevent him from taking part or hundreds of citizens gathered in appearing in any event in “Israel” for Al-Awda Camp, established by the 15 days. High Leadership Commission of the According to the investigations of Return Marches and Breaking the MADA field researcher, the Director Siege in area (Abu safiya), northeast of Wadi Hilwa Information Center, Jabalia, north Gaza Strip, as part Jawad Jamil Siam, born on 1st of the peaceful return marches, Oct. 1968, from Silwan, Jerusalem, launched on the 30th of March 2018 at around 05:15PM, on Sunday, against the continuing siege on corresponding 25 Nov. 2018, was in Gaza. Salah Al-Deen St., Jerusalem, where According to the investigations of a peaceful protest was taking place MADA field researcher, the journalist, against the arrest of Jerusalem Ismail Khalil Ismail Hamadeh, Governor, Adnan Gaith, by the married, born on 1 June 1987, holds Israeli Occupation authorities. Less a personal ID Card No. (800771842), than five minutes after his arrival to from Sheikh Radwan, Gaza City, a the peaceful protest, his colleague holder of diploma in journalism and from Wadi Hilwa Information Center media from the College of Palestine, asked him to carry her mobile phone a photographer and broadcast while she was live shooting to the engineer of Media Group Agency, has Center’s Facebook page. Meanwhile, went to cover this demonstration. Siam noticed that the Israeli police At approximately 03:00PM, the officers in the area began to point at Israeli occupation forces fired tear him, knowing that he is not one of gas bombs and metal bullets at the the demonstrators and has nothing demonstrators. He was about 300 to do with the protest. After two or meters away when he was directly three minutes, one of the officers, injured by a tear gas bomb in the Captain Sloan, approached him and face (left cheek). The injury caused told him that he wanted to arrest and him bleeding inside the mouth, which take him to the police headquarters resulted in a wound inside the mouth. in Salah Al-Deen Street. He seized He was taken to the Palestinian Red his mobile phones and asked him Crescent Society medical point, west to turn them on. But Siam refused of Al-Awda Camp, to receive the first this without a court order. On their aid. Then he was transferred to the part, the police officers refused Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, where that he contacts, especially that he the doctors described his injury as lives alone with them at home. But moderate. He was discharged at he demanded that he contacts his around 06:00PM. children, as he was supposed to take them home with him in that evening. (25th Nov.) The Israeli occupation Siam was taken to the police center in police has arrested the director Salah Al-Deen street, and after three

174 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations hours, he was under investigation for west of Khan Younes, on the the charge of incitement and calling following day, corresponding 26 for participation in illegal acts. He was Nov. 2018, at 09:00AM, in particular, also questioned about his Facebook the investigation department. account and his work as the Director Fasfous works as a freelance of Wadi Hilwa Information Center, journalist. He is a member in the as well as about some of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, demonstrations he has taken part in. and the Head of the Palestinian The investigation and interrogation Human Rights Journalists Group, continued for about two hours and formed by him in collaboration with ended up with a decision to keep a number of his colleague journalists. him away from Salah Al-Deen and It has a Facebook Page under the Sultan Suleiman streets (two main name of the Group, posting some streets in Jerusalem where most of materials on defending human rights the demonstrations take place) and and freedoms. to prevent him from appearing in any On Monday, corresponding 26 Nov. activity within the “State of Israel” 2018, and on the specific scheduled for 15 days and to pay a personal bail date in the aforementioned summons, of 3,000 NIS in addition to a third Fasfous arrived the Internal Security party bail of 3,000 NIS as well. Headquarters, west of Khan Younes, It is worth mentioning that the and when he reached the external Director of Wadi Hilwa Information gate, he handed over his personal Center, Jawad Siam, has been cards and pack of cigarettes. After liable to ongoing prosecutions and that, he was taken by some of the has been arrested about 42 times security officers to a detention between 2007 and 2012, all under room, with an area of 10m*10m, with the pretext of “defaming” brokers two beds inside it, a very small toilet. who sell houses to the occupation He remained inside the room for and “endangering their lives” and several hours without investigation, “leaking” news to the Palestinian until one of the officers, at around security services. This may range 01:00PM, came and asked him to from actual imprisonment to house escort him to the investigation room arrest until 11 Months. Since then, where an officer in civilian clothing Siam has been arrested, detained, was waiting. The investigation and house arrested and expelled lasted for fifteen minutes “without from Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Old City documentation”. The investigator, and some places in Jerusalem from apparently displeased, asked time to time. him about a number of subjects, (25th Nov.) At around 11:00AM, on including the video posted on the Sunday, corresponding 25 Nov. 2018, Human Rights Journalists Group the citizen, Tahreer Mohammad Abu Page on the case of his nephew, Saif Rajelah, received summons, at her Amin Fasfous, 15 years old, who was house located in Khan Younes- Al- beaten and detained earlier by the Bayuk, for her husband, Ihab Omar General Investigation Police of the Yousef Fasfous, 46 years old, who Khan Younes, his political criticism works as a journalist, a father of five of the State of Qatar and Hamas, children, under which he must go to and post on his Facebook account the Internal Security Headquarters, about the return marches where he

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 175 2018 Details of violations wrote “Praise be to Allah that my his political affiliation, and here blood is not traded in the return Fasfous confirmed that he does marches”. After the investigation not belong to any political faction. was completed, he was taken back The interrogator then forced him to the room where he was detained to write down his personal email first. They gave him food but he address, Facebook account and the did not eat and kept him in the passwords thereof, and after about room until late. At approximately half an hour, one of the officers 19:00PM, one of the security officers entered and asked the interrogator came and informed him that he was to speak to someone outside the released. When he left the gate, room. Five minutes later, he returned they kept his identity card and press to tell him that he would be released card and orally informed him that today provided that next time he he must come the following day, would not be treated the same way Tuesday, corresponding 27 Nov. and neither the “human rights nor 2018, at 9:00AM without stating the the syndicate” would assist him. He reason for the summons. When he also told him “to speak of good or arrived home, Fasfous contacted the shut up” and then he placed before Journalists’ Syndicate and informed him a pledge form that he forcibly them about what had happened with filled and signed. Then he was taken him and the Syndicate contacted back to the detention room where the concerned agencies and assured he remained until 1:30PM, until he him that he would go the next day was released. to receive his belongings only. At (26th Nov.) A female and male 9:00AM on Tuesday, 27 November, journalists were injured by the Fasfous arrived at the Internal occupation soldiers’ bullets while Security headquarters in western covering the peaceful maritime Khan Younes for the second day march, northwest of Beit Lahia, in a row. At the outer gate he was as part of the return marches and accompanied by one of the officers protests in Gaza Strip. who took him to a small office with According to the investigations of a desk and chair where an officer MADA field researcher, the journalist, in civilian clothes was sitting. The Safinaz Baker Mahmoud Allouh, officer asked him to hand over his born on 17 March 1989, married, cell phone, but he did not have it holding I.D. Card No. (802249342), with him, he left it home. He was from Al-Sheikh Radwan, Gaza, then surprised to be taken to the works for AMAD Media Agency, has same detention room where he arrived, on the afternoon of Monday, spent 15 minutes the earlier day corresponding 26 Nov. 2018, to the before being taken to investigation. coastal border area between Gaza Again, at around 09:20AM, he was Strip and Israel, northwest of Beit investigated and questioned about Lahia, where the citizens gathered in his Facebook posts criticizing parallel with some Palestinian boats the political situations and return in the sea, against the gathering, to marches. The investigator had a file cover the maritime march. At around in front of him including some copies 3:20PM, while she was doing her “screen shots” of Fasfous’s Facebook work (behind the demonstrators), posts. He was also questioned about at a distance of 200 meters away

176 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations from the separating fence, on MADA field researcher, the journalist, the other side of which the Israeli Ahmad Fathi Al-Khateeb (33 years soldiers were deployed, and while old), from Qaffin town, Tulkarem, she was filming the march with her lives in Betunia, Ramallah, married, camera, the occupation soldiers has two children (Lial 8 years old, fired a barrage of tear gas bombs and Joury 4 years old), was surprised and rubber-coated metal bullets, by a phone call from the Israeli at the demonstrators. She was occupation intelligence, at around injured by a rubber-coated metal 3:00AM, at dawn, on Tuesday, bullet in the palm of her left hand. corresponding 26 Nov. 2018, asking Immediately, the paramedics took him to immediately hand himself her to the Palestinian Red Crescent over. As his wife stated to MADA, Society medical point, established the officer said to him “I will meet to the south of the demonstration, you downstairs, I do not want to raid where she received the first aid, the building, disturb your children, and then she was transferred to the family and neighbors”. AL-Khateeb Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, where inquired whether they only want she arrived 37 minutes later. In the to meet him or arrest him, and the hospital, her hand was imaged, and officer informed him that he will be the wound was stitched (3 stitches). arrested and the army is downstairs The doctors described her injury and he must come down. The as moderate, and she stayed in the journalist then hanged up the phone hospital until 08:00PM. At the same and looked out the window of the time, the journalist, Mohammad house. Indeed, he saw several Israeli Hazem Sami Al-Masri, single man, army patrols under the building. He born on 17 August 1998, holding immediately left the house and went I.D. Card No.( 404129082), from to the soldiers. When he arrived, Beit Lahia/Al-Manshia, north Gaza they handcuffed him, and took him Strip, a photographer of Shihab to Ofer Camp, not far from Beitunia, News Agency, was injured by a gas approximately two kilometers away bombs fired by one of the soldiers from his house. at his face (right cheek), while he It is worth mentioning that the was at a distance of 100 meters journalist Ahmad Al-Khateeb was away from the separating fence arrested by the Israeli occupation (behind the demonstrators). He was in 2009 and the another time on 6 transferred to the Palestinian Red July 2014 while passing through the Crescent Society medical point, Za’tara checkpoint between Nablus where he received first aid, and then and Ramallah, where he was then he was transferred to the Indonesian arrested for administrative detention Hospital in Jabalia, where his injury until 17 July 2015. was described as slight. (28th Nov.) The General Investigations (26th Nov.) An occupation army in Gaza has summoned MAAN force has arrested the journalist, Agency reporter, the journalist Ahmad Al-Khateeb, after it has Abdullah Issa Ibrahim Miqdad, and raided his house, located in Betunia, questioned him on the background west of Ramallah, at dawn, on 26 of a case filed against him by the Nov. 2018. Governmental Media Office in Gaza, According to the investigations of for the charge of “misusing the

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 177 2018 Details of violations technology means”. He was asked to false news or misuse the technology sign a pledge of “respecting public means”. After Miqdad’s signature, morals and not publishing false news he was transferred to another room, or misusing the technology means”. where he was asked to hold a sign According to the investigations against his chest with his full name of MADA field researcher, MAAN on it, his identity card number, Agency reporter in Gaza, the journalist and the charge of “misusing the Abdullah Issa Ibrahim Miqdad, 34 technology”, a picture of him holding years old, holding I.D. card No. this sign was taken. While his picture (800859621), at around 08:00AM, was being taken, the photographer on Wednesday, corresponding 28 told Miqdad “move your face to the Nov. 2018, has received a phone right, defendant, now to the left, call from a person who identified defendant”. Then he was released, himself as an officer from the and he left the headquarters at General Investigations. He asked the around 09:30AM. journalist Miqdad to urgently come (30th Nov.) The freelance journalist, to the Passports Headquarters/ Mohammad Yousef Mohammad Technical Resources Department, Mohawesh, was injured by gunshot in Gaza. The journalist Miqdad, fragments fired by the occupation went to the Passport Headquarters soldiers while he was covering a immediately, the moment he arrived, demonstration taking place east of he was taken to a room in which Bureij camp, Gaza Strip. an officer called “Abu Alnour” was According to the investigations of waiting for him. The investigation MADA field researcher, the freelance was initiated with him, and he was journalist8 Mohammad Mohawesh, asked about publishing the names (30 years old), at around 2:00PM, of martyrs of children during the on Friday, corresponding 30 Nov. recent escalation in Gaza Strip on 2018, went to east Bureij Camp, in the website of MAAN Agency, the Gaza Strip, to cover the events of journalist Miqdad responded that the weekly return march. A number he does not remember the incident. of journalists were there as well, at The officer then placed a judicial around 2:30PM, the demonstrators file against him, prepared by the began to increase, and the soldiers Public Prosecution to the General stationed on the other side of Investigations to question him on the separating fence began firing the basis of a case filed against the gunshots at the demonstrators. MAAN Agency by the Government Mohawesh was at a distance of 200 Media Office in Gaza. Abu Alnour meters away from the fence, on the gave Miqdad the choice either other side of which the soldiers were to cooperate or he will transfer deployed. He was wearing the Press the file to the Public Prosecution. helmet and vest, and carrying in his Then he started asking him about hand the camera and cell phone the resources of news at MAAN capturing photos of the events Agency, and whether he had a work and live broadcasting the events authorization? The investigation through his cell phone. At around was completed by Miqdad signing a 3:30PM, while he was filming the statement and a pledge to “respect events, he was injured in his right public morals, and never publish 8 Works for Al-Yaman Media Center

178 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations leg by gunshot fragments fired by peaceful march against settlement the occupations soldiers near him. in Al-Mughayyir, Ramallah. He could barely walk on his other According to the investigations of leg with the assistance of a group MADA field researcher, at around of demonstrators until he reached 11:00AM, on Friday, hundreds of the first ambulance. The paramedics citizens of Al-Mughayyir village, found that there were fragments and some of the Popular Resistance in his right leg which caused him activists, have taken part in a peaceful wounds. He was transferred to Al- march towards the lands threatened Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where his with confiscation by the Israeli leg was imaged and showed 3 large occupation authorities for military fragments as well as a number of training. The demonstrators, upon small fragments but did not affect completing Friday prayers, began the bones. He was given a syringe marching towards “Elon” street and treatments to help remove connecting the town with the north the fragments. He was discharged of West Bank. An IDF force arrived provided he shall follow-up with the and dispersed the demonstrators doctors to complete his treatment. using gas bombs and rubber-coated Due to his injury, he had to stay metal bullets leading to the injury home. of the American journalist, Stephon (30th Nov.) The journalist, Lamont, 45 years old, works for Abdelraheem Abu Mahadi, single TeleSUR News Website, even though, man, born on 28 February 1998, between 1:200PM – 2:00PM, he was from Beit Lahia, north of Gaza Strip, standing 200 meters away from the a holder of Journalism and Media demonstrators, and he was near Diploma from Al-Aqsa College, his colleagues the moment he was a volunteer photographer of the injured. A group of demonstrators Palestinian Ministry of Health, was (around 8) who were throwing injured by a gas bomb in high stones at the soldiers were 20 right arm (elbow) fired at him by meters away from them. The soldiers the occupation soldiers while he fired a barrage of gas bombs using was covering the events of the a special launcher installed on a return march, on the afternoon of military vehicle firing more than 15 Friday, corresponding 30 Nov. 2018, bombs at once. When Stephon saw even though he was 250 meters this, he went to the other side of the away from the separating fence. street, and immediately was injured Immediately after his injury, he was by a rubber bullet below his left knee. taken to the field medical point of He began to shout with pain and two the Red Crescent Society, and then Red Crescent paramedics rushed to he was transferred to the Indonesian him, and provided him with first aid, Hospital in Jabalia where he received put some cold bandages and drug the necessary treatment. He was on the injury and then he left Al- discharged at around 06:00PM, and Mughayyir heading to Ramallah. his injury was described as slight. The journalist Stephon stated that (30th Nov.) The American journalist, he thinks the injury may not be Stephon Lamon, was injured by deliberate. That is, the army did not a rubber bullet in his leg, and target him directly, and that he might suffocation while he was covering a be injured by mistake while the

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 179 2018 Details of violations soldiers were firing at the Palestinian seized by the Palestinian Intelligence demonstrators. (an amount of 1240 JD). On the December following day, it was confiscated on the grounds that Al-Haqiqa office (1st Dec.) The Palestinian Intelligence did not receive a permit to work in Service has seized the financial the West Bank. Wael Tqaqqa says transfer of the staff salaries of the that he sought a permit from the Jordanian TV “Al-Haqiqa” at the TV Palestinian Authority to operate office in Bethlehem. the TV in the West Bank and began According to the investigations the necessary procedures after of MADA field researcher, on 1st six months of starting work. He May 2015, and office for Al-Haqiqa went to the Ministry of Labor in Jordanian TV was opened in Ramallah and collected the required Bethlehem. The office is managed documents and papers, except for by Wael Mohammad Mahmoud one file related to the tax papers. Taqatqa (39 years old), Akram Ali The procedures were “impossible” as Allan Deireih (40 years old) as a he described it. He had to sign every photographer and montage, Nour paper in three different ministries in Al-Din Mohammad Mahmoud Banat addition to the Jordanian embassy. (25 years old) a field reporter. The The procedures cost him “about staff member Akram was summoned 6,000 JD”, he stated. After a long in November by the Palestinian time, Wael felt he had reached a Intelligence Service, five times, deadlock. (between 6th – 22nd November (3rd Dec.) The occupation soldiers 2018). Wael Taqatqa was also have deleted video clips made by Al- summoned on 20th November 2018 Hadath Newspaper reporter, while and on 2nd December 2018. They he was covering the army incursion were questioned about their political of Birzeit. belonging, the nature of their According to the investigations of work in the TV office, the political MADA field researcher, Al-Hadath belonging of the TV owner (Zakaria Newspaper reporter, Mohammad Al-Sjeikh, who is a former deputy Mohammad Ghafry (28 years old), in the Jordanian parliament). Since at around 10:00 AM, on Monday, the start of this team in Bethlehem corresponding 3rd Dec. 2018, has office, their salaries are transferred arrived Birzeit, north Ramallah, to from the administration of the cover the army incursion of Birzeit. TV through Abdeen Exchange. It Ghafry, who was wearing the Press should be noted that the Palestinian helmet and uniform, approached the Intelligence and Preventive Security area and stopped at a distance of have allowed this transfer. During the 50 meters away from the soldiers. previous period, the Office did not He started filming them live through face any problems in receiving the the Facebook, until two soldiers money. On 1st Dec. 2018, the money approached him and started transfer from the Administration shouting at him to stop filming the arrived at Abdeen Exchange. As events. When they arrived him, they usual, Wael Taqatqa went to receive took his phone and deleted the the amount. However, Abdeen told video clip he filmed. They threatened him that the money transfer has been him with a sound bomb if he did not

180 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations leave the place. were seized and damaged on 30th (6th Dec.) An occupation army force Jan. 2017. has raided Al-Noor Printing shop and (8th Dec.) The programs presenter seized several of its equipment and of Palestine TV, the journalist, machinery. It is worth mentioning Dana Ghazi (Mohammad Saed) that this is the third attack against Abu Shamsiya was subject to Al-Noor printing shop within 13 incitement and defamation with months. the participation of several media According to the investigations agencies. of MADA field researcher, an According to the investigation of occupation army force of around 25 MADA field researcher, the journalist, military patrols, at around 3:00 AM, Dana Ghazi (Mohammad Saed) at dawn, on Tuesday, corresponding Abu Shamsiya, (26 years old), from 6th Dec. 2018, has raided Al-Nahda Jerusalem, the programs presenter street in central Ramallah, where Al- of Palestine TV, has received, on Noor printing shop is located. It is Monday, corresponding 10 Dec. worth mentioning that the citizen, 2018, a message from a friend Khalid Hussein Musfir (44 years containing an article link published old) owns the shop. The soldiers on MEMRI website, defaming and bombed the main doors and raided inciting against her. On the following the shop. After half an hour of day, corresponding Tuesday, 11 Dec. staying inside, they stared seizing 2018, she found that the Magazine the files, equipment and machinery. “Times of Israel” has published They seized six printers of different the same article. This is in addition models and a computer. Khalid to the tenth Israeli TV which also Hussein Musfir, the owner of the published the same as she was told shop, estimated the losses by about by her friends. These articles and 32,000 Sheikels, as follows: Xerox news reports included an episode with a price of 18,000 USD, cutter Palestine TV has broadcasted on machine with a price of 3,000 USD, Friday, 23rd Nov. 2018, in “Good 2 Exon machines with a price of Morning Jerusalem” Show, presented 3,200 NIS, hp machine with a price by Abu Shamsiya. The introduction of 2000 NIS, 2 hp color machines to this episode included poems by with a price of 3500 NIS, a computer the martyr Abdulrahman Abu Jamal, with a price of 2500 NIS. The owner, where the Israeli media agencies Khalid Musfir, confirmed that no have translated the words of the decision has been issued or that poem in English as incitement to he received the same to close the terrorism. “The incitement practiced shop which made describe what has by the Palestinian Authority and happened as “a sabotage without Fateh movement glorifying the any security grounds”. It should be martyrs is broadcasted from the noted that this was the third the heart if eastern Jerusalem” as they shop was raided and sabotaged. On stated, in reference to Palestine TV 30th Dec. 2017 it was raided by the Office in Al-Sawwanah, in occupied Israeli army and all of the printers Jerusalem. The journalist Dana Abu and computers were seized then. It Shamsiya, as a result, contacted the was also raided another time and Administration of Palestine TV and around 25 printers and computers the lawyer. While she was initially told

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 181 2018 Details of violations that she was “not subject to any kind him, they then released him. In a of risk or liability”, another lawyer separate incident, at approximately called her to file a defamation case, 08:00PM on the following day as he name was all over the social (Tuesday, 10 December, 2018), on the media and Facebook pages, while way back from Ramallah to Nablus, a third lawyer explained to her that the journalist saw a group of settlers there is a possibility of being subject assaulting Palestinian cars near to arrest in light of the campaign Hawara checkpoint at the entrance launched by the Israeli occupation to Nablus. He began to film it. One authorities against the Palestinian of the settlers attacked and beat Authority for arrest on the pretext of him and broke his phone before the incitement9. soldiers at the checkpoint intervened (9th Dec.) The journalist, Mutasem and helped the settlers. They Saqf Al-Hait, was subject to two expelled the journalist Mutasem, separated attacks by the Army who went to the Israeli police station and settlers on his way back from in Ariel and filed a complaint against Ramallah city to Nablus where he the settler who attacked him. lives. (10th Dec.) The Israeli occupation According to the investigations by forces, at dawn, on Monday, MADA field researcher, the journalist, corresponding 10th Dec. 2018, has Mutasem Saqf Al-Hait, (29 years old), arrested 26 Palestinian all around who works for “Quds News Network”, the West bank and Jerusalem after at around 10:30PM, on Monday, a shooting attack targeting Israeli corresponding 9th Dec. 2018, on settlers near the city of Ramallah the his way back from Ramallah City to previous day (9th Dec. 2018). The Nablus where he lives, was surprised arrests included three journalists: by the closure of the road near Ofra Sameh Mahmoud Mohammad settlement located east of Ramallah Abdullah, the author at Quds by the army and learned that there Network, who was arrested from his were injuries, and immediately he home in Izbat Al-Jarrad in Tulkarem, started covering the events for the the journalist Hussein Shujaia who Network for which he works and was arrested from his home in continued about half an hour before Deir Jreir, and the journalist Samer the soldiers approached him and Abu Eisha from Jerusalem (he was expel him and all Palestinian cars and released the following day). forced them to return to Ramallah. According to investigations of MADA Saqf Al-Haith returned and took the field researcher, the family members road of Beit El barrier, known as the of the journalists, Hussein Hashim DCO. Near the checkpoint, a soldier Shujaia, born on 26 January 1987, stopped him, took his car keys and works for Quds Net as a reporter, held him there for more than two in addition to his work at Al-Quds hours (although he told the soldiers Legal Assistance Center, with its that he was a journalist), without headquarters in Ramallah, have interrogating him or questioning heard, at around 4:00AM, at dawn, 9 Following his incident, incitement on Monday, corresponding 10th Dec. has also affected Palestine TV, on a 2018, strong knocking on the door continuous basis, very now and then, on the ground that it incites against of their house located in Deir Jreir, Israel through its programs. east of Ramallah, Est Bank, as well

182 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations as the sounds of soldiers asking of them masked) and asked the them to open the door, shouting father about his identity and about (open the door, its army). The father, his children. When he mentioned Hashim Shujaia went and opened the name Sameh, they asked where the door, around 20 soldiers entered he stays, and he told them that his the house with their weapons and apartment is on the fifth floor of detained everyone inside a single the building. Around four soldiers room (the father, mother, brothers, remained in the father’s apartment. and littler sister). They arrested The remaining soldiers went upstairs Hussein directly from his room, two heading to the apartments of the soldiers took him, not handcuffed or three sons (Saed, Fadi, and Sameh) blindfolded, after they were certain and entered their houses. When they who he was. Then they seized two entered Sameh’s apartment, they cell phones belonging to him. The asked for his ID and his cell phone, journalist, Hussein Shujaia, has he told them that he has lost it. They posted on his Facebook about three searched the house and found it in a hours before his arrest, that “an bag and seized it. They also seized Israeli drone might land on the roof another phone, and his wife’s phone. of the house” indicating the intensive They arrested him, and left the movement of the Israeli army that building at around 04:00AM. During followed the shooting in an area the same day, Sameh’s sister, Samah close to Deir Jreir where he lives. Mahmoud Mohammad Abdullah, 30 From Izbat Al-jarrad, Tulkarem, an years old, received a phone call from Israeli occupation army force, at the Israeli Intelligence Service, and dawn, on Monday, corresponding was told that he brother Sameh is 10th Dec. 2018, has arrested at the investigation center of Petah the journalist, Sameh Mahmoud Tikva, at around 11:00PM, on Monday, Mohammad Abdullah, an author at and that an attorney named Jalal Quds Net, from his house. Mahamed was appointed for him by the Prisoner Club to follow up with According to the investigations his case. of MADA field researcher, an Israeli occupation force, at around At the same time, according to 02:35 AM, at dawn, on Monday, MADA field researcher, a force corresponding 10th Dec. 2018, has composed of the Israeli police and besieged a residential building, occupation intelligence, has raided, located at the entrance of Izbat at around 03:00AM, at dawn, on Al-Jarrad, east of Tulkarem, where Monday, corresponding 10th Dec. the journalist Sameh Mahmoud 2018, the house of the freelance Mohammad Abdullah lives. It should journalist, Samer Hussam Saleh Abu be noted that he is married, with Eisja, 30 years old, located in Wadi two children, botn on 3rd July 1985, Al-Jouz, Jerusalem. It searched holding I.D. Card No. (946453263). the house under an order from the Soon later, the soldiers began Israeli Prosecution, missed up the knocking on the door of his father’s house, and stayed in it until 5:00AM apartment on the second floor of (that is for two hours). He was the building, he quickly opened arrested without even mentioning the door for them, and around 12 his charge. He was taken to Nahal Oz soldiers entered the apartment (one investigation center, in Sour Baher,

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 183 2018 Details of violations north Jerusalem, a center dedicated while the videographer of WAFA, to investigation with Jerusalemites Ihab Yousef Al-Rimawi, was filming only. Upon his arrival at the center, these events from Al-Tahrir Hall his investigation began and he was balcony, on the second floor of the accused of carrying out activities premises composed of five floors, for the Jerusalemite Movement. one of the soldiers directed his gun The interrogator asked him general at him and the soldiers fired a sound questions about his political affiliation bomb and a tear gas bomb directly and his social and political relations at him in the balcony. As a result, with a number of Jerusalemites. The the staff members in the Hall were investigation continued till 9:00 Am, injured, totaled to 15, with severe and he was threatened to be referred suffocation. An army force (10 to the occupation court. At 3:00PM soldiers) has raided the premises, on that day, he was released on the as they attempted first to break in condition that that he be transferred through the roof, but could not do to house arrest for 5 days, and to so. They damaged the fourth floors sign a 10,000 NIS financial guarantee of the Agency where the computers by the mother and father of his wife, section is located (the computers and to be present if summoned rooms in which there is a DVR with again to the investigation center or the surveillance camera records), the Israeli courts. asked for the personal ID cards of For his part, the Israeli Army the staff members and questioned spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, in them there. They also forced them to a statement following the arrests, open the room with the surveillance including the three journalists, stated cameras around the building so “the army forces have arrested 16 they watch the situation through wanted Palestinians in Judea and these cameras. They seized the Samaria – West Bank – and the video records of the period between valleys on the suspicion of being Sunday evening and Monday involved in terrorist activities and evening, went downstairs to the violent riots against civilians and third and second floor, to the Editors security forces”. and Photograph Sections, and prevented the staff members there (10th Dec.) An occupation army to leave their desks, they asked for force has raided the headquarters of their IDs and detained them. Not to the Official Palestinian News Agency mention that they abused them with “WAFA” in Ramallah, and fired a gas cursing and pushing, especially the bomb at Al-Tahrir Hall balcony, and photographers, Shorouq Zaid, and seized camera records. Maan Yasine, while they were trying According to the investigations to film and document the incursion of MADA field researcher, the of the soldiers to Al-Tahrir Hall occupation soldiers have raided and the Agency offices. They took Ramallah, and a force was stationed Maan’s camera and seized his phone near WAFA Agency, located in Al- for an hour, threatened to destroy Masayef. Furthermore, clashes have the equipment of the headquarters. erupted in the area for several hours. Meanwhile, they detained all of At around 4:00PM, on Monday, the staff members at Al-Tahrir Hall corresponding 10th Dec. 2018, inside it, namely: Maan Yasine Ali

184 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations

– photographer, Mohammad Al- while he was 100 meters away from Omary – editor, Yazan Nidal Taha – the separating fence. Upon his injury, editor, Shorouq Zaid – photographer, some of the demonstrators took Khalil Rabaia, Haitham Al-Rifaei, the him to the ambulance, which was proof reader, Isaac Ali Al-Ammarin, located 400 meters to the south of Ihab Youssef Al-Rimawi, as well as the separating fence. He was taken the IT engineers and drivers. in the ambulance of the Palestinian (10th Dec.) The journalist, Red Crescent to the field medical Mohammad Wael Abdeljawad Al- center, one kilometer away from the Dwaik, was injured by a gas bomb in demonstration, where he received his forehead, while he was covering the first aid, and then he was taken the sea march organized in Gaza as to the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, part of the return marches which where his injury was imaged by the were launched in 30th March 2018, doctors, and his injury was described to protest against the ongoing siege as minor. He was discharged from on Gaza Strip. the hospital at around 4:30PM on the same day. According to the investigation of MADA field researcher, the journalist, (13th Dec.) Following the shooting, Mohammad Wael Abdeljawad Al- near Giv’at Asaf, located in Burqa, Dwaik, (28 years old), from Al-Sheikh east of Ramallah, on Thursday, Radwan neighborhood, Gaza Strip, corresponding 13th Dec. 2018, which married, born on 17th April 1990, resulted in killing two Israeli soldiers, holding an ID card No. (802724294), and injuring others, the Israeli a photographer of Al-Ittihad Press occupation forces have imposed News Agency, continuously covers military cordon and closure at all of the events of the return marches the checkpoints and entrances of to break the siege on Gaza Strip, Ramallah and Al-Bireh, especially the at around 2:15PM, on Monday, eastern side, several journalists tried corresponding 10th Dec. 2018, to access the operation site to cover wearing the Press uniform and the event but the army prevented helmet, holding a camera, has went them from even getting close to the to cover the events of the sea march military checkpoints and threatened called for by the High Leadership them with being shot. Commission of the Return Marches, According to the investigations of to take place at Gaza sea port, MADA field researcher, a number against Zikim Military site, north Beit of journalists took rough roads in Lahia. The land march taking place the area between the villages of in parallel with the sea march was Deir Dibwan and Ein Yabrud east very crowded. The Israeli occupation of Ramallah in order to approach forces stationed behind concrete the scene of the shooting to cover walls and in the watchtowers located the incident. One of them was US along the separating fence, started Associated Press photographer firing metal and rubber coated metal Nasser Hussein Al-Shuyukhi, 51 bullets, tear gas bomb intensively at years old. After Al-Shuyukhi finished the demonstrators which resulted in filming the events, on his way several injuries, including the injury back from the same rough road to of the journalist, Al-Dwaik, at around Ramallah, at around 1:00PM, he was 3:10PM, by a gas bomb in his forehead, surprised by a military checkpoint of

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 185 2018 Details of violations the soldiers near Beitin, where five while the soldiers have thrown soldiers put their weapons at him. tear gas bombs through launchers They threatened to shoot him if he installed on military vehicles, and also does not stop his vehicle. They asked fired rubber-coated metal bullets him to stop the engine and put the and reinforced sponge bullets. The key on the roof of the car after they freelance photojournalist, Ribhi Abed forced him to block the road by his Al-Koubary, (48 years old), was also car. One of the soldiers took the car there with other journalists covering keys and put it in his pocket. They the events. At around 1:10PM, Al- would not even talk to him. He told Koubary, who was wearing the Press them that he was a journalist and uniform, filming the events, while photographer in an international standing at Al-Balou conjunction, agency, and they prevented him near Al-Huda gas station, 40 from leaving or using his phone. He meters away from the (soldiers or was also held for about an hour and demonstrators), was injured by a a half and then they returned the rubber bullet in his left arm fired car key and allowed him to leave for at him by one of the soldiers. The Ramallah. rubber bullet first hit the ground and then bounces and injured his arm. Immediately, he was taken by some paramedics and he was given the first aid. He was told that the bullet did not cause him any fractures, only some bruises. (14th Dec.) The Israeli occupation forces have arrested the journalist, Mousa Sarhan, from his house located in Alluban Al-Gharby, northwest Ramallah. Freelancer photographer Ribhi al- Koubariy was wounded by a rubber- According to the investigations coated metal bullet fired by Israeli of MADA field researcher, a foot occupation soldiers at the northern force of Israeli special units and entrance to al-Bireh soldiers estimated at 40 soldiers, at (14th Dec.) On Friday, corresponding about 2:00PM (Friday afternoon) 14th Dec. 2018, clashes have erupted corresponding 14th Dec. 2018, among dozens of the Palestinians forcibly entered the house of the and the Israeli occupation soldiers freelance journalist Musa Salah at the entrance of Al-Bireh, West Samhan, 30 years old, located in Bank, where a barrier is established Alluban Al-Gharby, Ramallah, after for the Israeli Army, adjacent to they surrounded the house and Beit El settlement, a location smashed its main doors. They asked that usually witnesses Palestinian for the ID card of Samhan, detain him, demonstrations. with his wife and three children for an According to the investigations of hour inside one of the house rooms. MADA field researcher, the Palestinian Meanwhile, they searched the house, demonstrators have thrown stones handcuffed Samhan and blindfolded at the Israeli occupation soldiers, him. they arrested and took him to the military patrols which arrived

186 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations the house fifteen minutes after tear gas bomb on the roof where the surrounding the house and breaking journalists were, they fired around into it. Then they went towards the 15 bombs at them, even though settlement of Beit Aryeh, which is there were no clashes among the only hundreds of meters away from demonstrators and the army. This the village. Samhan was released resulted in the injury of the journalist two months ago after he served four by a gas bomb in his left hand and months of administrative detention the left side of his head, causing a in the occupation prisons. fracture to one of his fingers and a (15th Dec.) With the expiration of deep wound in the palm of his hand, the deadline given by the Israeli stitched by the doctors with four occupation authorities (12th Dec. stitches, in addition to the swelling 2018) for the demolition of the family of the left side of his head. He was house of the detainee Islam Abu taken by a group of journalists and Humaid (arrested in May 2018) in Al- volunteers to an ambulance. Later, he Amari camp within the boundaries took a private car to the Arab Society of the Al-Bireh Municipality in the Hospital in Bethlehem in the south of West Bank, dozens of foreign and the West Bank where he stayed for Palestinian solidarity activists have about 3 hours. The doctors imaged gathered (including Palestinian his head and dressed his wound and officials, headed by the Head of placed special bandages around his the Colonization & Wall Resistance hand and finger. They recommended Commission, the Minister, Waleed him not to do any effort for ten days Assaf). They pitched a tent for due to the fracture in his finger. solidarity with Abu Humaid’s The journalists who were there as family and to prevent the planned well, namely: the journalist, Monther demolition of the building composed Mohammad Al-Khateeb, the of four floors. photographer of Al-Ghad News TV, According to the investigations of Ashraf Al-Nabali, the photographer MADA field researcher, an occupation of ROYA TV, Ismail Khader, the army force, composed of 30 military photographer of Reuters, Hisham vehicles, accompanied by a bulldozer Abu Shaqra, the photographer of and infantry units, at around 1:30AM, Anatolia News Agency, Saed Howary, on 15th Dec. 2018, has raided Al-Bireh the photographer of Reuters, city, until they arrived the building Faleh Faleh, Palestine TV reporter, where Abu Humaid’s family live and the freelance photographer, Ayat they expelled the demonstrators Arqawi, and Ali Sawafta, Reuters to start the demolition. More than journalist, have tried to find a shelter 10 journalists were in the place behind a wall on the roof of the covering the event, including the building due to the heavy shooting journalist, Majdi George Banoura, Al- of the bombs. Jazeera photographer, born in 1969. (14th Dec.) The journalist, Musab His colleagues were on the roof of a Shawer, was injured by a rubber building 150 meters away from the bullet fired by one of the soldiers at building where Abu Humaid’s family him while he was covering events in live, to film the demolition. All of the Hebron. journalists were wearing the Press According to the investigations uniforms. The soldiers began firing

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 187 2018 Details of violations of MADA field researcher, Al- the journalist, Hasouna, injured by Hadath Newspaper reporter, Musab a rubber bullet in the right leg, at Abdelsamad Shawer Al-Tamimi, around 3:15PM, on that day, while (27 years old), married with two he was at a distance of 200 meters children, lives in Hebron, has away from the separating fence. He arrived, on Friday, corresponding was then taken by ambulances to 14th Dec. 2018, to Bab Al-Zawiya, the Al-Shifa Medical Complex where central Hebron, to cover the events he received the necessary first aid of throwing stones at the soldiers and treatment. He was discharged by the Palestinian demonstrators. at around 7:00PM. He was wearing the Press uniform, (14th Dec. 2018) The Journalist and at around 2:00PM, while he Hassan Islaih was injured by a gas was filming and broadcasting the bomb in his right leg fired at him events through his phone to Al- by one of the Israeli occupation Hadath Newspaper, he was injured soldiers, while he was covering the by a rubber bullet in his left hand events of the peaceful return march finger, fired at him by one of the taking place in “Sarij” northwest of Israeli army snipers “deliberately” as Khan Younes. stated Musab to MADA researcher, According to the investigations especially he was relatively far away of MADA field researcher, Hassan from the demonstrators who were Abdelfattah Mohammad Islahi throwing stones at the army and he (29 years old), married with three was wearing the Press uniform. children, a photographer of Al-Quds (14th Dec.) The journalist, Mustafa TV, has arrived, at around 2:10PM, Hasouna, was injured by a rubber Friday, corresponding 14th Dec. bullet in his leg while he was covering 2018, to Al-Awda Camp, near the a demonstration organized by the separating fence (the border fence separating fence, east of Gaza. with Israel), northeast Khan Younes According to the investigations of “Sarij” to cover the events of the MADA field researcher, the journalist, return peaceful marches organized Mustafa Mohammad Al-Badri each Friday. It should be noted that Hassouna, (37 years old), married, he was wearing the PRESS helmet born on 29th September 1981, and uniform. There were crowds of holding ID Card No. (906769328), citizens, with thousands of unarmed a photographer of Anatolia Agency, Palestinians taking part in the return at around 3:00PM, on Friday, marches that have been held near corresponding 14th Dec. 2018, took the border fence with Israel since his Canon D5 Mark 4 Camera (2), March 30 this year. Since his arrival, and went to cover the return march Islaih began his work in the field by to break the siege, called for by the covering the events and broadcasting High Leadership Commission of the news via Al-Quds TV. He was the Return Marches, east of Gaza. watching the demonstrators walking The occupation forces on the other towards the border fence, and the side of the separating fence started occupation soldiers were firing gas firing metal bullets and rubber bombs, rubber coated metal bullets, coated metal bullets as well as gas and live bullets at the demonstrators, bombs which resulted in the injury randomly and intensively, which of a number of citizens, including resulted in the injury of 25

188 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations demonstrators with various wounds, rubber coated metal bullets and in Khan Younes, some of them were live bullets at the demonstrators, injured by live bullets. At around intensively and randomly, which 4:10PM, near “Jakar” street, 100 resulted in the injury of a number of meters away from the border fence, demonstrators with various wounds, a gas bomb injured the journalist, some of whom were injured by Islaih, in his right foot, which made live bullet. Among these injuries is him fall and resulted in the swelling of the injury of the Turkish Agency his foot without any fracture. He was Anatolia journalist, Mustafa Hasouna. then transferred by an ambulance to At around 3:20PM, at a distance of the field hospital in the area, where 400 meters, in a high area behind he received the necessary treatment the demonstrators approaching the and then he was discharged to border fence, where the journalist his house. Before his injury, Islaih Darwish and the rest of his fellow received field treatment five times journalists were present covering due to inhaling tear gas fired by the the events, a direct gas bomb fired occupation soldiers intensively at by an Israeli soldier injured him in the demonstrators. the left cheek and made him fall (14th Dec.) The journalist, Attiya to the ground, wearing his helmet Darwsih, was injured by a gas bomb and carrying his equipment. His directly fired at his face by one of colleagues and the medical staff the Israeli occupation soldiers while ran quickly and took him to the he was covering the events of the ambulance which transferred him return peaceful march taking place to Al-Shifa Hospital directly given in “Karni” east of Gaza. the seriousness of his condition as the bomb caused him severe According to the investigations bleeding in the place of injury. of MADA field researcher, Attiya When he arrived Al-Shifa Hospital, Mohammad Ali Darwish (27 years downtown Gaza, Darwish was taken old), a single man, works as a to the ICU. According to the medical photographer for Al-Ray Agency, report, he was diagnosed that the has arrived at 2:20PM, on Friday, gas bomb has penetrated 7cm of corresponding 14th Dec. 2018, to the face bones which resulted in Al-Awda Camp, near the separating causing him damage to the jaw, fence (the border fence with Israel), left eye and ear. After his condition east of Gaza, to cover the events of stabilized, he was taken to one of the peaceful return march organized the hospital wards waiting for a date each Friday. It is worth mentioning for his surgery which he underwent that he was wearing the PRESS on Sunday, December 16, 2018, in helmet and uniform, and that there which platinum was placed to his were dozens of citizens. Since his face to set the injury, with the need arrival, Darwish began his work by to undergo a cosmetic surgery later. transmitting the details of the events, The journalist, Darwish, has done where thousands of the defenseless other tests in hospitals specialized Palestinians were taking part in the in ophthalmology (Saint John Eye return marches right across from Hospital Group) in Gaza City, and the the border fence with Israel since tests showed that Darwish situation 30 March. The occupation soldiers requires an operation for the eye were firing gas bombs, metal bullets,

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 189 2018 Details of violations due to his injury. He is suffering them again that the law punishes from temporary loss of hearing and filming the soldiers on their duty sight in the left side of the head and and allows arrest, and in order to difficulty in speech as a result of give them back their equipment, he injuring the jaw. asked them to readjust the cameras (14th Dec.) The occupation soldiers (that is, to delete the material on have seized the equipment of three the camera). The journalists indeed journalists, and deleted the material, did that before taking back the and prevented them from covering cameras. The officer made sure that raids implemented by the Israeli the cell phones do not contain any Army in Hebron, at dawn, on 14 Dec. photos of the soldiers, and the entire 2018. filmed material was deleted from the camera memory. According to the investigations of MADA field researcher, a force of (14th Dec.) On Friday, corresponding several military jeeps entered Hebron, 14th Dec. 2018, a peace march was at dawn, on Friday, 14th Dec. 2018, launched from Al-Hussein Mosque, and it raided and searched several central Hebron, to revive the 31st houses and arrested Bilal Salhab anniversary of Hamas movement. from his house. At approximately Immediately after the march, the 02:00PM, the journalists: Ra’ed Al- Palestinian security forces were Sharif, the reporter of Al-Ghad TV, alert and prevented the citizens Thaer Al-Fakhouri, the reporter of from going to Ibn Rushd square as Space Media and Al-Jazeera, and the planned in the announcement of freelance journalist Musab Shawer, the march. The freelance journalist were filming the arrest events. In Abdul Mohsen Shalaldeh, 26 years the meantime, in Ein Sara Street old, was next to journalists who were in the center of Hebron, the Israeli told by the security forces that it was soldiers stopped Al-Ghad TV vehicle forbidden to photograph the march. carrying the three journalists, which A few minutes later, the security was marked “TV press”. An Israeli forces began to circle around the intelligence officer seized 4 phones, citizens, knocking with the sticks at including a camera for the journalist their shields (the security elements). Thaer Al-Fakhouri, and another Demonstrators were determined to camera for the journalist, Musab launch the march, and as a result there Shawer. The officer threatened them were attacks by the security forces to leave the place immediately, and against some of the demonstrators. informed them that it is prohibited The journalist, Abdul Mohsen, to photograph the soldiers, and for approached more to photograph this reason “he seized their cameras the events by his cell phone, and and phones”. Due to seizing the then he was severely beaten on the equipment, the three journalists back, neck and stomach, and pulled continued following the soldiers by three masked members of the as they moved to recover their special forces to Al-Hussein Stadium confiscated equipment, and soon the (10 meters away from the events of soldiers stopped again, and another the march) and left him there. officer approached the journalists Meanwhile, the trainee journalist and asked them why they were of “Alam” Radio, Malek Al-Jabari, following the soldiers. He informed was surprised with the events

190 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations after he finished Friday Prayers, He also continued following the he approached to film the events demonstrators in the march who by his cell phone, and then three returned towards the city center security officers approached him after they were dispersed. When and pulled him to their jeep. One they arrived Al-Bakri building, 30 of them punched him with his hand meters away from Ramallah center, on the shoulder and neck. He told while he kept filing the events, a them that he was a journalist and group of young men approached his name; they stopped beating him, him and asked to stop filming and arrested him and took him to the informed him that he has no right province. About two hours later, he to do so. He replied that did not was released. capture anyone’s face in the march, (14th Dec.) The Palestinian Security and stopped the broadcast. He took has arrested the reporter and a taxi and went to the place where he photographer of AltraPalestine parked his vehicle near the tomb of Website, Abdelkareem Mseitef the President, Yasser Arafat (where Mseitef, while he was covering the march had arrived). Once he a march that took place on the placed his photography equipment evening of 14th Dec. 2018, following in the vehicle to go home, four the death of the child by the Israeli security officers in civilian clothing Occupation bullets. approached and asked him that they were from the intelligence service According to the investigations of and that he is under arrest. They took MADA field researcher, and following him to the intelligence headquarters, the announcement at the Palestinian in Al-Balou, Al-Bireh, in a dark blue Medical Complex in Ramallah of the civilian vehicle. When he arrived the death of the child Mahmoud Yousef headquarters, at around 6:30PM, Mahmoud Nakhla (16 years old) from they seized his cell phone and put it Jalazoun camp on Friday evening, in the safes. after an hour of waiting corresponding 14th Dec. 2018, in one of the rooms, two investigators who was shot by the occupation, approached and asked him to open hundreds of demonstrators his phone so they can see the marched in the streets of the city electronic messages between him towards the headquarters of the and his organization where he works Palestinian Presidency. The journalist (AltraPalestine). The investigation Abdelkareem Mseitef Mseitef, born was about the nature of his work, the in 1984, a photographer and reporter location of his work, and the person of AltraPAlestine, went to cover the managing the work. He remained in march where the demonstrators were detention in the headquarters until throwing stones at the Palestinian 11:00PM, and he was released on the security and the security officers same night. prevented them from reaching the Presidency Headquarters and (16th Dec.) The occupation soldiers dispersed them by sound and have detained ROYA Staff while gas bombs. After the march was they were preparing a report on a dispersed at around 5:30PM, the Palestinian family that was assaulted journalist Mseitef continued filming by settlers and prevented them from and live broadcasting through the filming the event. Facebook page of the organization. According to the investigations of

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 191 2018 Details of violations

MADA field researcher, dozens of were asked not to film under the settlers have attacked Al-Harini threat of arrest and destruction of family house, which is about 100 cameras, claiming that the area was meters away from the Israeli military “closed by military decision, and it is checkpoint at the entrance of Al- forbidden for everyone to approach Bireh, known as Beit El checkpoint, it”. A member of Al-Harini family, named after the settlement of Beit speaking in Hebrew, told the soldiers El established there, where the that Abu Sabra, Zaid and the staff headquarters of the Israeli Civil of a Jordanian TV, ROYA, wanted Administration (responsible for the to take pictures of the house from administration of the West Bank) outside. The soldiers refused to allow is located and smashed some of him to do so. After about 20 minutes its windows. The attack, one of the of their detention, they searched the most frequent attacks by settlers vehicle and asked the staff to leave on this family, constituted a news immediately”. material as ROYA staff, composed (17th Dec.) The occupation forces of the report at the West Bank, prevented a group of journalists the journalist, Hafeth Mahmoud to cover a demolition of a house Abu Sabra, born in 1988, and his in Tulkarem, and one of the coworker, the photographer, Ashraf soldiers threw sound bomb at the Mohammad Dar Zaid, born in 1983, photojournalist, Moayad Issa Ashqar, on the following day, corresponding causing damage to his car. 16th Dec. 2018, went to Al-Harini According to the investigations family house to prepare a report of MADA field researcher, the on the repeated attacks this family photojournalist of Al-Salam Local TV, has experienced by Beit El settlers, and MAAN News Agency, Moayad including throwing stones and Issa Ashqar, (36 years old), has flammable glass bottles to sabotage arrived, at around 2:00AM, at dawn, the house, in addition to assault on Monday, corresponding 17h Dec. the family members by beating. 2018, along with other journalists, When the staff arrived the house, Shweika block, north Tulkarem, to they met the family at 1:15PM, and cover the demolition of the family after the journalists, Sabra and house of the martyr, Ashraf Naalwah, Zaid, completed the interviews by the occupation forces which with Al-Harini family members on announced that they will do so. At the attacks they experiences and around 3:00AM, on the same day, the resulting fear, they went out the soldiers attacked the present to take some photos of the house journalists by sound bombs, gas from the outside. One of the soldiers bombs, and tear gas bomb to force who were at Beit El checkpoint, them to go away from the place right cross from the house, started where dozens of demonstrators have shouting at them and asking them gathered to prevent the demolition to stop filming. Two soldiers went of the house. They prevented them to them and detained Abu Sabra from filming and opened high- and Dar Zaid for 20 minutes. They powered flashlights at the cameras. searched their car (marked by One of the soldiers threw a sound ROYA TV) and seized their personal bomb at the journalist, Moayad ID cards and press cards. They Ashqar. It did not injure him, but it

192 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations damaged the left side of his vehicle. It should be noted that the (17th Dec.) The journalist, Thaer journalist, Aby Rayash, was injured Khalid Abu Rayash, was injured by twice previously, and in a similar a gas bomb in the abdomen while circumstances somehow. The first he was covering the sea march injury occurred on 18th September organized as part of the return 2018, with a gas bomb in the head, marches in Gaza, in the afternoon, while he was covering the return on 17th Dec. 2018. march organized at Ezer Crossing, Beit Hanoun. While the other injury According to the investigations of was on 15th Oct. 2018 while he was MADA field researcher, the journalist, covering the tenth sea march, right Thaer Khalid Fahmi Abu Rayash, 24 across from Zikim military site, years old, from Al-Manshiyeh in Beit northwest Beit Lahia, by gunshot Lahia, a single man, born on 20 March fragments in his face and left hand, 1994, holding a personal ID card No. even though he was working for the (804799047), a freelance journalist Turkish Agency then. and regularly covers the events of the return marches in Gaza, at around (18th Dec.) Tulkarm Governor’s 2:30PM, on Monday, corresponding Office informed the freelance 17th Dec. 2018, carrying a camera journalist Sami Said Al-Saee (37 to cover the 20th sea march years old) of preventing him from announced by the High Leadership transmitting any news about Commission of the Return Marches, Tulkarem governorate, even if it was went to Zikim Military site, northwest issued by the governorate as a press of Beith Lahia, in Gaza Strip to film release to the media. the events. In the meantime, the area Al-Saee stated to MADA “on 18th was crowded with citizens taking Dec., I have received a phone call part in the parallel with the march from Tulkarem Governor’s office launched on land. The sea march director telling me that I, specifically, also involved a number of fishing is forbidden from transmitting any boats. The Israeli occupation forces, news about Tulkarem even if it was behind the cement and concrete a press release recounted by all walls and inside the watchtowers media agencies. This came after I, on on the other side of the fence, the day before (Monday 17/12/2018) have fired metal bullets and rubber wrote a news material in the form coated metal bullets as well as gas of audio-visual (video clip) on the bombs. This has resulted in the injury tongue of the governor after visiting of a number of citizens, including the house of the martyr Ashraf the journalist, Abu Rayash, at around Naalwah which was demolished in 3:40PM, on the same day, by a gas Al-Shweika block by the occupation bomb in his abdomen, while he was authorities several days ago, even at a distance of 200 meters to the though many of the journalists and south of the separating fence. He media agencies were also present at was taken by the field paramedics to the site and transmitted the news, the ambulance parked 400 meters but the governor’s objection was away from the soldiers, where he to the title chosen for that article: received the necessary first aid and Tulkarm Governor: We apologize for left the place. our Arab negligence in the case of Naalwah, while the official WAFA

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 193 2018 Details of violations news agency chose to publish the According to the investigations of same news under the title “We are MADA field researcher, the journalist, with the Naalwah family”. Mutasem Samer Saqf Al-Hait, (29 (19th Dec.) the occupation soldiers years old), a student at Modern and the settlers have prevented College, and a reporter of Quds Palestine TV staff to cover the News Network, at around 9:30PM, levelling operations for settlements on 21st Dec. 2018, was on his way purposes south Nablus and detained from Ramallah to Nablus, where he the staff for an hour. lives. He found a military checkpoint established by the Israeli soldiers at According to the investigations of the square close to Ein Senia, north MADA field researcher, Palestine TV Ramallah, on the road leading to staff, composed of the reporter of Nablus. The soldiers were stopping the TV in Nablus, Baker Abdelhaq, Palestinian vehicles for search his coworker, the photographer, purposes. Saqf Al-Hait was in his own Loay Al-Samhan, have arrived the vehicle marked “PRESS”. After he south of Aseera Town to cover the arrived the line of vehicles, Mutasem levelling done by the settlers in the wanted to change his way and go Palestinian territories in that area, at back to try another road. While he around 11:00AM, on 19th Dec. 2018. was reversing his vehicle, a number of They were accompanied by some of soldiers ran quickly towards him and the Colonization & Wall Resistance pointed their guns at him. Then they Commission staff members, on top, opened the vehicle doors and pulled the settlement file official in north him to the ground, started beaten of the West Bank, Murag Shteiwi, him and searching him violently and and his driver, the head of Aseera offensively. They kept him under village council, and five young men detention on his knees for about two from the village. While they were hours. After two hours, they ordered filming the levelling carried out him to enter his car and close it by settlers, one of the settlers was and prevented him from opening armed and prevented them from the windows. In the meantime, the filming. He even tried to seize their army was stopping about 20 other camera and forced them to leave the vehicles. The journalist, Saqf Al-Hait place at gunpoint. While the settler remained under detention from 9:30 summoned the soldiers, an army PM until 5:00 AM, after which he was patrol arrived at the site and seized released and they detained others. the cards of the TV staff and other Palestinian persons who were with (21st Dec.) The journalist, Nidal them. The soldiers held them about Shafiq Taher Ishtaya, was injured 100 meters away from the event for by a stone in his shoulder while he about an hour and then released was covering the clashes between them after the intervention of the the Palestinian demonstrators and Palestinian liaison. the Israeli occupation forces in Kafr Qaddum, Qalqilya. (21st Dec.) The occupation forces have detained the journalist, According to the investigations of Muatsem Saqf Al-Hait, on his way MADA field researcher, the journalist, from Ramallah to Nablus, assaulted Nidal Shafiq Taher Ishtaya, (49 years and beaten him. old), a photographer of the Chinese news agency, Xinhua, on Friday

194 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations noon, corresponding 21st Dec. 2018, weekly. At around 4:05PM, on that has arrived Kafr Qaddum, where the day, while he was filming the events, weekly march against settlement the Israeli soldiers deployed on the was organized to protest against other side of the separating fence the closure of the village’s entrance (border fence with Israel) started since several years ago. While the firing live bullets, rubber bullets and soldiers have raided the village, and tear gas bombs at the Palestinian stationed on the roofs of several demonstrators. An explosive bullet houses, disseminated the snipers on injured one of the demonstrators the roofs, the demonstrators were close to the journalist, Muhaisen, in throwing stones at the soldiers, his neck (resulted in the death of the 100 meters away from them. On young man – Mohammad Jahjouh – 16 the other hand, the soldiers were years old) and the fragments spread throwing gas bombs and metal all over the place and damaged bullets at the demonstrators. The the camera of the photographer, journalists were filing the events, Muhaisen, a d5 Mark 3, until the and at around 2:30PM, suddenly, the inner parts of the camera. It should soldiers started firing live bullets from be noted that at the moment, the various locations, the demonstrators journalist, Muhaisen was 300 meters escaped to find shelters behind the away from the separating fence on houses walls and started throwing the other side of which the soldiers stones at the demonstrators. In the were deployed. meantime, Ishatay was injured in his (21st Dec.) The photojournalist, Sami right shoulder, sat on the ground due Jamal Taleb Masran, was injured by to the severe injury, and then he was an explosive gunshot fragment while transferred by the demonstrators he was covering the events of the to the ambulance which came return peaceful march taking place immediately and took him away from east of Bureij camp, Gaza Strip, on the clashes to the village borders 21st Dec. 2018. where he received the necessary According to the investigations of treatment and first aid. MADA field researcher, Sami Jamal (21st Dec.) An explosive gunshot Taleb Masran, from Al-Nseirat, born fragment has injured the on 26th Jan. 1984, holding I.D. Card photojournalist of SAFA Agency, No. (800184160), a photojournalist Mohammad Asad Muhaisen, (35 of Al-Aqsa TV, has arrived, at around years old), while he was covering a 2:00PM, on Friday, corresponding demonstration as part of the return 21st Dec. 2018, to east of Bureij Camp, marches taking place in Malka, east central Gaza Strip, to cover the of Gaza. events of the weekly return peaceful According to the investigations march as he used to do each Friday. of MADA field researcher, SAFA But before even wearing the Press photographer, Mohammad Asad helmet and vest, and while he was at Muhaisen, married, born on 10th a distance of 300 meters away from August 1984, from Al-Nasser the separating fence (border fence Block, Gaza Strip, went on Friday, between Israel and Gaza), one of corresponding 21st Dec. 2018, to the Israeli soldiers deployed on the Malka, east of Gaza, to cover the other side of the separating fence events of the return march organized an explosive gunshot that hit the

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 195 2018 Details of violations ground close to the journalist Masran, On Monday morning, 31 Dec. 2018, and its fragments spread all over I went to the headquarters of the the place, one of which injured his intelligence service in Halhul, and foot, directly, causing him bleeding. arrived at 10:20 AM, and there I Immediately, the demonstrators took entered the interrogation room him to a private car as there was where three officers were present no ambulance at the time. Half an and started questioning me. In the hour later, the injured photographer beginning the investigation was in a arrived Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, high-pitched, but then they started where his foot was imaged, and the talking to me quietly. I was initially doctors found that the fragment charged with incitement against caused (an entry and exit), but no security through my Facebook fractures. The wound was cleaned posts, against the background of and dressed. At around 7:00PM, he my last post, which was after I was was discharged provided he shall attacked by the security forces while follow up his condition two weeks covering the march of Hamas, which later. was organized on the occasion of (30th Dec.) The Palestinian its anniversary on 14th Dec. I was Intelligence Service in Halhul has also asked general questions about summoned the freelance journalist, where I studied, who my classmates Abdulmuhsen Tayseer Shalaldeh (25 were, and where I worked (I told years old) and questioned him on them I was a freelance journalist). the claim that he “incites” against One of them told me that my file the security services through his was in Jericho investigation center Facebook posts. and not in the intelligence service of Halhul, because I/curse the security Shalaldeh stated to MADA that service in a polite manner/which I “an officer from the Palestinian denied. After about an hour of my Intelligence Service came to my interrogation, I signed my statement house in Seir, Hebron, at 6:00PM, on and the officer told me that I was Sunday, corresponding 30th Dec. supposed to remain in detention, but 2018, and told me that I must go he would let me go provided I come to the Intelligence headquarters in back on Wednesday, corresponding Halhul at 10:00AM on the following 2nd Jan. 2019 at 10:00 AM. I left the day, corresponding 31st Dec. 2018. headquarters at 11:30 PM”. Although he was holding the summons in writing, he refused (30th Dec.) The Preventive Security to give it to me. Accordingly, I Service has arrested the journalist, contacted Jihad Al-Qawasma, the Mutasem Hamdi Saqf Al-Hait (29 representative of the Journalists years old), a freelance journalist, and Syndicate in Hebron, who advised a student at the Modern College in me to contact Mohammad Allaham Ramallah. Saqf Al-Hait was arrested (Chairman of the freedoms at around 6:30PM, on 30th Dec. committee in the Syndicate), who 2018, from the Martyrs square, in turn contacted the Intelligence central Nablus, after he finished Service and all I could learn from him covering the event of igniting is that an arrest order was issued revolution torch organized by against me and the Syndicate does “Fateh” on the occasion of its launch not have the authority to intervene. in the mentioned square. His family

196 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 2018 Details of violations could not see him or visit him or find under which they were ordered to out the reason of his arrest so far. go immediately to the headquarters The Preventive Security Service did in Gaza “Al-Hakim Palace”. Indeed, not inform the family of his arrest, the three journalists responded and and only told them that they would went to the headquarters where ask him about “something” without they were detained on the same giving any explanation. day. They were questioned about On Wednesday, corresponding 2nd their political affiliation and their Jan. 2019, the journalist, Saqf Al-Hait role in the events of expected Fateh was brought before the court, in Launch. They were detained in the the presence of MADA attorney, Mr. headquarters for long hours, over Firas Karaja. The Public Prosecution two days, under inhuman conditions, demanded to extend his detention before they were finally released on 15 days, on the claim that he is 7th Jan. 2019. “disparaging the authority”, and the The journalist, Sameer Ragiq Skaik court approved as stated by MADA (38 years old), the programs preparer attorney. of Palestine TV, reported that he (30th Dec.) The Internal Security of went, at around 4:30PM, on 30th Hamas in Gaza Strip has summoned Dec. 2018, to the headquarters of and detained no less than three the Internal Security Service in Gaza, journalists ahead of Fateh 54th under a summons he has received at Launch in Gaza Strip, decided to be his family house located in Al-Wihda held on 7th Jan. 2019. Street, Gaza, on the same day. Upon his arrival, his card and cell phone The frequent processes of were seized, and he was detained in summoning and detaining for long a room called “the Bus” until 11:00, at hours and sometimes for more than midnight (for about seven hours). He one day have affected: the journalist, was released provided he shall return Sameer Rafiq Adak Skaik (38 years the following morning at 8:00AM, old), the programs preparer at corresponding 31st Dec. 2018 as he Palestine TV, the journalist, Ahed was orally instructed the day before. Awni Hassan Farawneh (42 years Indeed, when he went the following old), the Public Relations Director day, he was detained for another at Gaza, and the journalist, Sameh 12 hours and then he was released Younes Hamed Al-Jedi (40 years at 8:00PM. It should be noted that old), all from Gaza, holding the he was again questioned about his membership of the Palestinian political affiliation and his role in the Journalists Syndicate, and the expected Fateh Launch. membership of the Journalists International Union. For his part, the journalist Sameh Younes Hamed Al-Jedi (40 years According to the Investigations old) reported that he went to the of MADA field researcher, the headquarters of the Internal Security three abovementioned journalist Services in Gaza, on 30th Dec. 2018, have received summons from the under a summons he has received Internal Security Service in Gaza. from the headquarters. When The summons were delivered at he arrived, he was detained in a their houses in the first time on solitary confinement for 12 hours. At 30th Dec. 2018, at various times, 8:00AM, on the following morning,

2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine 197 2018 Details of violations corresponding 31st Dec. 2018, and including journalists as well. He was based on their request, he came back detained until the evening and was to be detained for 12 hours, without informed to return on the following questioning. He was released at morning. Indeed, he came back on 09:00PM, with his belongings which the following morning and he was were seized on the first day he was detained again. This continued until detained. On the 5th of Jan. 2019, he January 7, 2018 (the day when Fateh was summoned again, and he went Launch was due to be held). He was at 11:00AM. He was detained in the released at 3:00PM and was handed “Bus” room where dozens of other over to his personal belongings from citizens where also detained with the first day of his arrest. him. He was questioned about Fateh (31st Dec.) An occupation army Launch events again and then he force has raided the house of the was transferred to another cold small journalist, has raided the house of stinky cell, that is not prepared for the journalist Alaa Al-Rimawi (40 sleeping, with another two prisoners. years old), the Head of Al-Quds TV, He remained in detention this time for Ramallah, searched the house and three consecutive days until he was seized cell phones and a computer, released at around 3:00PM, on 7th as well as an amount of money. Jan. 2019. As to the journalist, Ahed The journalist Alaa Al-Rimawi stated Awni Hassan Farawneh, (42 years to MADA that the occupation army old), he was summoned on 30th force (the border police) has raided, Dec. 2018 by the Internal Security at 4:00AM, at dawn, on 31 Dec. Services in Gaza “Al-Hakim Palace”, 2018 his house located in Al-Irsal, in and accordingly, he went at around Ramallah, detained him and his wife 8:00PM, on the same day to the as well as his children in one of the headquarters. His belongings were house’s rooms. Then they searched seized and he was taken to the “Bus” the house and caused a terrible room. After that he was taken to a miss around the house. The soldiers solitary confinement after he was seized 4 cell phones (two of which questioned about the events of Fateh were working). They also seized a Launch. He remained arrested at the laptop for the journalist Alaa, and Security headquarters until 11:00 an amount of 7000 NIS the family midnight. He was released provided was saving as follows (4 thousand he shall return on the following Shekels in one of the drawers and morning corresponding 31st Dec. the remaining amount was in JD, 2018 where he was detained again equivalent to 3000 NIS in another until midnight when he was released drawer). Al-Rimawi asserted that and his belongings were given back he saw one of the soldiers, from to him. Five days later, specifically on the room where he was detained, 5th Jan. 2019, Farawneh received a putting the amount of four thousand new summons under which he went Shekels in his pocket. He also stated to the Internal Security Services that he told the soldier to give the headquarters at around 1:00PM on money back or document it as he did the same day. Again he was detained with the cell phones and computers, in the same room “the bus” as the but the later refused. The soldiers previous time with dozens of citizens left the house after one hour. belonging to Fateh movement,

198 2018 Violations of Media Freedoms in Palestine