26 dec 2012
Haneyya gov’t bans Israeli media in Gaza
The government of Ismail Haneyya has banned dealing or working with any Israeli media outlet in the Gaza Strip.
Ehab Al-Ghussain, a government spokesman, said that the government decided to ban all dealings with the Israeli media outlets in their capacity as “hostile media”.
He said that the decision covers all media personnel, means and institutions.
Ehab Al-Ghussain, a government spokesman, said that the government decided to ban all dealings with the Israeli media outlets in their capacity as “hostile media”.
He said that the decision covers all media personnel, means and institutions.
18 dec 2012
Occupation detains five journalists in Bethlehem
The Israeli occupation forces detained on Tuesday afternoon five journalists in Al-Khader village in Bethlehem during their coverage of one of the Palestinian families suffering due to the Israeli settlers' repeated attacks against them.
The journalist Mamduh Natshe, a reporter for Al-Quds TV, told PIC that he visited, along with four other journalists, the home of al-Bulbol family who was subjected to frequent attacks by the Israeli settlers and occupation forces, in the area of al-Khader in Bethlehem and Israeli occupation soldier came and arrested them.
The four other journalists are Abdul Ghani Natshe, Pal Media cameraman, Fadi Assa, correspondent for Radio Bethlehem 2000, Iyad Abu Shalbak, photographer for al-Arz company in Jerusalem, and Suhaib Assa, al- Aqsa Satellite channel's correspondent.
He said that the occupation forces forced them to stop filming, and held them for more than an hour, claiming that they were in a forbidden zone, and examined the filmed material, and informed them that the area is a military zone. The journalists were released sometime later.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian media forum strongly condemned the direct Israeli attack on nine Palestinian journalists, who were detained and tortured in two separate incidents in the occupied West Bank.
The Forum said in a statement on Tuesday that the latest attack took place on Tuesday afternoon where five journalists in Al-Khader village in Bethlehem were detained during their coverage of one of the Palestinian families suffering due to the Israeli settlers' repeated attacks against them.
The Forum quoted Akram Natsheh as saying that "on 13 December 2012, we received news about the death of a boy at checkpoint 160 in al-Khalil, and immediately we went to the place where we were attacked by a group of Israeli soldiers, estimated to be twenty soldiers."
The Israeli soldiers fired two shots in the air and told us to lie down. We raised our hands and they started to beat us up aggressively."
They started to give us different orders, to stand and sit in the same time, while beating us continuously, he added.
The Forum demanded the international journalist unions for urgent action to stop these violations and to prosecute the Israeli leaders.
The journalist Mamduh Natshe, a reporter for Al-Quds TV, told PIC that he visited, along with four other journalists, the home of al-Bulbol family who was subjected to frequent attacks by the Israeli settlers and occupation forces, in the area of al-Khader in Bethlehem and Israeli occupation soldier came and arrested them.
The four other journalists are Abdul Ghani Natshe, Pal Media cameraman, Fadi Assa, correspondent for Radio Bethlehem 2000, Iyad Abu Shalbak, photographer for al-Arz company in Jerusalem, and Suhaib Assa, al- Aqsa Satellite channel's correspondent.
He said that the occupation forces forced them to stop filming, and held them for more than an hour, claiming that they were in a forbidden zone, and examined the filmed material, and informed them that the area is a military zone. The journalists were released sometime later.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian media forum strongly condemned the direct Israeli attack on nine Palestinian journalists, who were detained and tortured in two separate incidents in the occupied West Bank.
The Forum said in a statement on Tuesday that the latest attack took place on Tuesday afternoon where five journalists in Al-Khader village in Bethlehem were detained during their coverage of one of the Palestinian families suffering due to the Israeli settlers' repeated attacks against them.
The Forum quoted Akram Natsheh as saying that "on 13 December 2012, we received news about the death of a boy at checkpoint 160 in al-Khalil, and immediately we went to the place where we were attacked by a group of Israeli soldiers, estimated to be twenty soldiers."
The Israeli soldiers fired two shots in the air and told us to lie down. We raised our hands and they started to beat us up aggressively."
They started to give us different orders, to stand and sit in the same time, while beating us continuously, he added.
The Forum demanded the international journalist unions for urgent action to stop these violations and to prosecute the Israeli leaders.
14 dec 2012
Media Forum condemns storming writer Lama Khater's house by occupation
The Palestinian media forum strongly condemned the IOF storming the house of the writer and journalist Lama Khater, in al-Khalil in the southern occupied West Bank.
The Forum said in a statement on Thursday that a force of the occupation army raided the house of writer Lama Khater at dawn Thursday and confiscated the computers in addition to her and her husband's mobile phones.
Khater and her husband were also subjected to field interrogation by the occupation forces, about a peaceful march that is expected to be organized in al-Khalil Friday.
The media forum denounced these attacks and considered them part of a policy of abuse and harassment adopted against the journalists, writers and the opinion leaders in the West Bank.
It considered this policy a flagrant violation of all international charters, which impose respecting the freedom of opinion and expression and the media work, as well as the right to peaceful assembly.
The forum also pointed out that such abuse confirms the Israeli occupation's systematic strategy in targeting the Palestinian journalists, writers and thinkers, through multi-faceted forms; such as murder, summonses, arrests, storming into the houses and storming and closing media institutions.
The Forum said in a statement on Thursday that a force of the occupation army raided the house of writer Lama Khater at dawn Thursday and confiscated the computers in addition to her and her husband's mobile phones.
Khater and her husband were also subjected to field interrogation by the occupation forces, about a peaceful march that is expected to be organized in al-Khalil Friday.
The media forum denounced these attacks and considered them part of a policy of abuse and harassment adopted against the journalists, writers and the opinion leaders in the West Bank.
It considered this policy a flagrant violation of all international charters, which impose respecting the freedom of opinion and expression and the media work, as well as the right to peaceful assembly.
The forum also pointed out that such abuse confirms the Israeli occupation's systematic strategy in targeting the Palestinian journalists, writers and thinkers, through multi-faceted forms; such as murder, summonses, arrests, storming into the houses and storming and closing media institutions.
9 dec 2012
PA intelligence arrests journalist
Mohammed Awad
PA intelligence apparatus arrested Mohammed Awad who works as a reporter with the Ramsat news agency in Ramallah and summoned a young man in Tulkarem.
Local sources in Ramallah said that PA intelligence agents detained Awad, a journalism graduate from Badars village. They recalled that he was previously arrested by the PA security apparatuses and subjected to severe torture.
Another Palestinian youth, Tamer Al-Haj, was summoned by the PA intelligence in Tulkarem for questioning on Saturday.
PA security apparatuses in the West Bank are still holding 35 Palestinian activists behind bars some of them spent years in detention.
PA intelligence apparatus arrested Mohammed Awad who works as a reporter with the Ramsat news agency in Ramallah and summoned a young man in Tulkarem.
Local sources in Ramallah said that PA intelligence agents detained Awad, a journalism graduate from Badars village. They recalled that he was previously arrested by the PA security apparatuses and subjected to severe torture.
Another Palestinian youth, Tamer Al-Haj, was summoned by the PA intelligence in Tulkarem for questioning on Saturday.
PA security apparatuses in the West Bank are still holding 35 Palestinian activists behind bars some of them spent years in detention.
6 dec 2012
Journalists Attacked During the Israeli Operation Pillar of Defense
by PCHR Narratives
During the recent Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, Operation Pillar of Defence (14 – 21 November 2012), Israeli Air Force targeted various media offices in a number of attacks, causing the deaths of at least 2 journalists and the injury of 10 others.
At approximately 01:35 on Sunday, 18 November 2012, Israeli warplanes fired 4 missiles at the office of al-Quds Satellite Channel, which is located on the top floor of the 11-storey Shawa and Hussari media tower building in Gaza City. The missiles penetrated the roof of the building and exploded inside the office.
During the recent Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, Operation Pillar of Defence (14 – 21 November 2012), Israeli Air Force targeted various media offices in a number of attacks, causing the deaths of at least 2 journalists and the injury of 10 others.
At approximately 01:35 on Sunday, 18 November 2012, Israeli warplanes fired 4 missiles at the office of al-Quds Satellite Channel, which is located on the top floor of the 11-storey Shawa and Hussari media tower building in Gaza City. The missiles penetrated the roof of the building and exploded inside the office.
Khader Zahar journalist,
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who lost his leg
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Due to this attack a journalist's leg was amputated.
Another incident happened at approximately 06:55 on Sunday, 18 November 2012, in which an Israeli warplane targeted the 15-storey al Shorouq tower, in western Gaza City. Various media offices including Fox News, Abu Dhabi Satellite Channel, Dubai Channel, al Arabiya News Channel, MBC, and Palestine Media Production are located in this tower Israeli air forces fired one missile at the office of the al Aqsa Television located on the top floor of the tower. |
Mazen Naeem, Mohammed al Sharafi, and Mohammed Al Mubayidh, three journalists who work with the Palestine Media Production, were injured in the attack.
Mazen Naem, 26, recalls the incident: "At around 6:55 am, my colleague, Mohammad al Sharafi, and I were preparing to do a live interview from the street right outside the al Shorouq tower. While we were doing sound tests, we heard a very loud explosion. Initially, I did not realize where the sound came from and, just as we both were thinking about taking shelter, somewhere nearby different objects, like pieces of glass from the windows and some boxes, fell on our heads from above.
That is when I understood that the media tower had been attacked. When I tried to look up to see which floor was hit, something hit my right eye and, as a reaction, I covered it with my hands. Mohammad's right knee was injured as a heavy object fell on it. Luckily, we were wearing helmets and vests, because of which we were not injured very badly. We were taken by surprise as we had not received any warning about that attack.
Mazen Naem, 26, recalls the incident: "At around 6:55 am, my colleague, Mohammad al Sharafi, and I were preparing to do a live interview from the street right outside the al Shorouq tower. While we were doing sound tests, we heard a very loud explosion. Initially, I did not realize where the sound came from and, just as we both were thinking about taking shelter, somewhere nearby different objects, like pieces of glass from the windows and some boxes, fell on our heads from above.
That is when I understood that the media tower had been attacked. When I tried to look up to see which floor was hit, something hit my right eye and, as a reaction, I covered it with my hands. Mohammad's right knee was injured as a heavy object fell on it. Luckily, we were wearing helmets and vests, because of which we were not injured very badly. We were taken by surprise as we had not received any warning about that attack.
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Mazen further describes the incident , saying, "Immediately after this happened, we ran across the street and took shelter nearby.
During this time, some passers and onlookers surrounded the place to see what had happened. Within just three minutes of the attack I heard another very loud explosion, but I could not see where this attack had taken place. |
We both were very worried about our colleagues and other people in the building, as we did not know if they were alive. I later learned that another one of my colleagues, Mohammed Al Mubayidh, who was on the 15th floor at the time of the attack was injured by an 8 mm piece of glass that hit his leg.
"A few minutes later, ambulances and fire fighters arrived at the spot. They started evacuating people who were trapped inside the building, although the fire fighters could not extinguish the fire on the 15th floor in time because they too had to help people get out of the building. The ambulances took my colleagues and other injured to the nearby al Shifa hospital, whereas I went to the eye hospital in Nassar in a taxi.
I was treated as soon as I reached the eye hospital. They cleaned my eye, and extracted the smaller particles that had entered it during the explosion. Luckily, it wasn't anything serious. They applied some medicinal liquid on my eye, and I continued with this treatment for the next 7 days or so.
"A few minutes later, ambulances and fire fighters arrived at the spot. They started evacuating people who were trapped inside the building, although the fire fighters could not extinguish the fire on the 15th floor in time because they too had to help people get out of the building. The ambulances took my colleagues and other injured to the nearby al Shifa hospital, whereas I went to the eye hospital in Nassar in a taxi.
I was treated as soon as I reached the eye hospital. They cleaned my eye, and extracted the smaller particles that had entered it during the explosion. Luckily, it wasn't anything serious. They applied some medicinal liquid on my eye, and I continued with this treatment for the next 7 days or so.
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Mohammed al Sharafi described his experience: "We were outside the media tower when the attack happened and some pieces of the debris fell on me, injuring my knee. The doctors at al Shifa hospital took an X-ray of my leg and treated me. They described my injury as a minor one, but I was limping for several days due to the injury."
Mohammed al Mubayidh said: "After the attack on the media tower, we relocated to the Beach Hotel. We rented their hall and continued working from there. |
But, during the offensive, another airstrike hit the land adjacent to the hotel and another colleague of ours, Akram al Sattari, was injured in that explosion.
Abdelghani Jaber, the chairman of Palestine Media Production, said that, "It was a difficult time as I could not ensure the safety of my own staff.
Very honestly, no one could have ensured anyone's safety at any point during those eight days."
Mazen spoke about the issue of protection for journalists, saying: "I was told that journalists are protected by the Geneva Conventions, and that such things do not happen to us because we just do our reporting work, but looking at how the incidents occurred I feel as if in a situation like this there is nothing in the law that can protect anyone.
Abdelghani Jaber, the chairman of Palestine Media Production, said that, "It was a difficult time as I could not ensure the safety of my own staff.
Very honestly, no one could have ensured anyone's safety at any point during those eight days."
Mazen spoke about the issue of protection for journalists, saying: "I was told that journalists are protected by the Geneva Conventions, and that such things do not happen to us because we just do our reporting work, but looking at how the incidents occurred I feel as if in a situation like this there is nothing in the law that can protect anyone.
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Under Article 79 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict are to be considered as civilians and they enjoy the general protection against dangers arising from military operation.
The ICRC has identified this principle as a rule of customary international humanitarian law, which is applicable to every party to every armed conflict. |
International Humanitarian Law prohibits an attack which may be expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, or a combination thereof, which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.
5 dec 2012
Report: Israel killed 3 journalists, wounded 30 in the recent war on Gaza
Mohammed al-Akhras Quds TV
A statistical report issued by Doha center for media freedom said that three Palestinian journalists had been killed and 30 others wounded during Israel's eight-day war on Gaza.
The report added that 30 media offices and institutions sustained damage during the war, not to mention the destruction of homes belonging to journalists.
The center noted that the three slain journalists were Mohamed Abu Eisha, director of Al-Quds educational radio, and press cameramen for Al-Aqsa satellite channel Husam Salameh and Mahmoud Al-Komi.
A statistical report issued by Doha center for media freedom said that three Palestinian journalists had been killed and 30 others wounded during Israel's eight-day war on Gaza.
The report added that 30 media offices and institutions sustained damage during the war, not to mention the destruction of homes belonging to journalists.
The center noted that the three slain journalists were Mohamed Abu Eisha, director of Al-Quds educational radio, and press cameramen for Al-Aqsa satellite channel Husam Salameh and Mahmoud Al-Komi.
Mahmoud Al Qoumi (L) Hussam Salama (R)
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Mohammed Abu Aisha
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It also stated that 30 journalists suffered different injuries during their coverage of the war events in Gaza.
The center called on Israel to respect international law and stop exposing the lives of journalists to danger. |
3 dec 2012
68 Israeli violations against Palestinian journalists last month
An official report revealed that the Israeli occupation forces committed during the month of November 68 violations against the Palestinian journalists and media workers in the Palestinian territories.
The Government Information Office explained, in a report on Sunday, that the most prominent Israeli violations took place during the aggression on the Gaza Strip, drawing attention to the targeting of journalists and media workers and their offices and their direct channels.
The report added that the occupation killed three journalists, Hossam Salama and Mahmoud al-Komi, photographers for Al Aqsa Channel, in addition to the journalist Mohammed Abu Eisha, who works as director of programs at one of the local radio stations.
The report indicated that dozens of journalists received injuries with various degrees of seriousness by Israeli attacks, pointing out to the case of Khader al-Zahar, a cameraman with al-Quds TV, who lost his right leg when Israeli warplanes bombarded the channel's office in Gaza City with three missiles.
The Government Information Office accused the Israeli forces of targeting deliberately journalists and their offices, pointing out to bombing al-Aqsa TV headquarters in addition to dozens of press and media offices.
The report also pointed out to the arrest cases of journalists in the West Bank during covering the events involving the occupation forces, in addition to two attacks committed by the PA security services.
The Government Information Office explained, in a report on Sunday, that the most prominent Israeli violations took place during the aggression on the Gaza Strip, drawing attention to the targeting of journalists and media workers and their offices and their direct channels.
The report added that the occupation killed three journalists, Hossam Salama and Mahmoud al-Komi, photographers for Al Aqsa Channel, in addition to the journalist Mohammed Abu Eisha, who works as director of programs at one of the local radio stations.
The report indicated that dozens of journalists received injuries with various degrees of seriousness by Israeli attacks, pointing out to the case of Khader al-Zahar, a cameraman with al-Quds TV, who lost his right leg when Israeli warplanes bombarded the channel's office in Gaza City with three missiles.
The Government Information Office accused the Israeli forces of targeting deliberately journalists and their offices, pointing out to bombing al-Aqsa TV headquarters in addition to dozens of press and media offices.
The report also pointed out to the arrest cases of journalists in the West Bank during covering the events involving the occupation forces, in addition to two attacks committed by the PA security services.
2 dec 2012
IOA appeals against the IFJ's complaint
NEW YORK, (PIC)-- The International Federation of Journalism (IFJ) in New York stated that Israeli representatives in the Union appealed against Palestinian journalists' complaint following the Israeli violations against journalists in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the Intifada (uprising) in 2000.
The complaint focused on the recent aggression on Gaza, where Israeli warplanes had targeted deliberately journalists and their offices.
Palestinian journalists in the United States of America stated that the Union did not provide until the moment any details concerning the appeals against the Palestinian journalists' complaint.
The Palestinian Permanent Representative in IFJ, Mohamed Waheed Awad, confirmed that the Israeli position is very weak compared to the papers and evidence submitted against it.
The Palestinian activist and director of the Palestinian Network for Media stated that Israel has always committed war crimes against journalists, adding that time has come to prosecute the Israelis for their violations before the international courts, stressing that "Israel will not stop its bloody policy except through international firm and clear position.
In a related matter, the Government Information Office in the Gaza Strip revealed 70 violations against journalists and media workers during the month of November in 2012 along with series of violations against freedom of the media work in the Palestinian territories.
The Government Information Office explained, in a report on Sunday, that the most prominent Israeli violations were committed during the aggression on the Gaza Strip, drawing attention to the targeting of journalists and media workers and their offices and their direct channels.
He added that the occupation killed three journalists, Hossam Salama and Mahmoud al-Komi, cameramen for Al Aqsa Channel, in addition to the journalist Mohammed Abu Eisha, who works as director of programs at one of the local radio stations.
The report indicated that dozens of journalists received various degrees of injury in Israeli attacks, pointing out to the case of Khader al-Zahar, a cameraman with al-Quds TV, who lost his right leg when Israeli warplanes bombarded the channel's office in Gaza City with three missiles.
The report also pointed out to the arrest cases of journalists in the West Bank during covering events by the occupation forces, in addition to two attacks committed by the PA security services.
The complaint focused on the recent aggression on Gaza, where Israeli warplanes had targeted deliberately journalists and their offices.
Palestinian journalists in the United States of America stated that the Union did not provide until the moment any details concerning the appeals against the Palestinian journalists' complaint.
The Palestinian Permanent Representative in IFJ, Mohamed Waheed Awad, confirmed that the Israeli position is very weak compared to the papers and evidence submitted against it.
The Palestinian activist and director of the Palestinian Network for Media stated that Israel has always committed war crimes against journalists, adding that time has come to prosecute the Israelis for their violations before the international courts, stressing that "Israel will not stop its bloody policy except through international firm and clear position.
In a related matter, the Government Information Office in the Gaza Strip revealed 70 violations against journalists and media workers during the month of November in 2012 along with series of violations against freedom of the media work in the Palestinian territories.
The Government Information Office explained, in a report on Sunday, that the most prominent Israeli violations were committed during the aggression on the Gaza Strip, drawing attention to the targeting of journalists and media workers and their offices and their direct channels.
He added that the occupation killed three journalists, Hossam Salama and Mahmoud al-Komi, cameramen for Al Aqsa Channel, in addition to the journalist Mohammed Abu Eisha, who works as director of programs at one of the local radio stations.
The report indicated that dozens of journalists received various degrees of injury in Israeli attacks, pointing out to the case of Khader al-Zahar, a cameraman with al-Quds TV, who lost his right leg when Israeli warplanes bombarded the channel's office in Gaza City with three missiles.
The report also pointed out to the arrest cases of journalists in the West Bank during covering events by the occupation forces, in addition to two attacks committed by the PA security services.
24 nov 2012
Gaza journalist dies in Cairo
Ali Muhammad al-Agha
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – Palestinian journalist Ali Muhammad al-Agha died early Saturday in Cairo, family members said. He was 37.
According to his family, al-Agha had been on vacation for 10 days when he felt pains and was evacuated to a hospital in Cairo late Friday where medics announced his death Saturday morning.
Family members said he was in good health.
Al-Agha was director of the Gaza office of Birzeit University’s Media Development Center, and an editor of the center’s al-Hal monthly newspaper.
He will be buried in his hometown Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – Palestinian journalist Ali Muhammad al-Agha died early Saturday in Cairo, family members said. He was 37.
According to his family, al-Agha had been on vacation for 10 days when he felt pains and was evacuated to a hospital in Cairo late Friday where medics announced his death Saturday morning.
Family members said he was in good health.
Al-Agha was director of the Gaza office of Birzeit University’s Media Development Center, and an editor of the center’s al-Hal monthly newspaper.
He will be buried in his hometown Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
Haniyeh applauds Palestinian media for Gaza coverage
Gaza prime minister Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday praised the Palestinian media for their positive role in covering Israel's eight-day assault on the coastal enclave.
Haniyeh telephoned Ma'an News Agency's editor-in-chief Nasser Lahham to give thanks for the support that West Bank media outlets gave the people of Gaza during Israel's bombardments.
"The most important achievement of this war was the support the West Bank showed reflecting that Palestinian blood is the same. That was very impressive and very inspiring for the Palestinian resistance," Haniyeh said.
The Gaza prime minister applauded the "honorable patriotic coverage" during the war, adding that he watched Ma'an-Mix satellite TV every day to follow events.
Haniyeh and Hamas officials were particularly focused on the live translation of the Hebrew press and the "accurate analysis of the course of the war and the possibilities of a ground incursion."
Lahham thanked Haniyeh, saying that Palestinian journalists "are reserve soldiers and supporters of their people praising all Palestinian national movement leaders regardless of their political affiliation because Palestine is greater than any political disagreements."
Haniyeh telephoned Ma'an News Agency's editor-in-chief Nasser Lahham to give thanks for the support that West Bank media outlets gave the people of Gaza during Israel's bombardments.
"The most important achievement of this war was the support the West Bank showed reflecting that Palestinian blood is the same. That was very impressive and very inspiring for the Palestinian resistance," Haniyeh said.
The Gaza prime minister applauded the "honorable patriotic coverage" during the war, adding that he watched Ma'an-Mix satellite TV every day to follow events.
Haniyeh and Hamas officials were particularly focused on the live translation of the Hebrew press and the "accurate analysis of the course of the war and the possibilities of a ground incursion."
Lahham thanked Haniyeh, saying that Palestinian journalists "are reserve soldiers and supporters of their people praising all Palestinian national movement leaders regardless of their political affiliation because Palestine is greater than any political disagreements."
UN, partners renew pledge to protect journalists
During a UN-led meeting in Vienna, the world body and its partners on Friday renewed their pledge to improve safety for journalists and prosecute those who commit acts against them through a new plan to protect media workers.
The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity follows two days of discussions by UN agencies, independent experts, governments, media houses, and civil society organizations on the most pressing issues facing freedom of expression, the UN News Centre reported.
More than 100 journalists have been killed so far this year, making 2012 the deadliest year for media since UNESCO began keeping records on the issue, the center said.
The new action plan outlines more than 100 areas of work that different UN agencies and civil society groups intend to contribute to securing the safety of journalists, and will operate at the national and global level, it said.
Israeli airstrikes killed three Palestinian journalists during an eight-day assault on the Gaza Strip that ended late Wednesday.
The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity follows two days of discussions by UN agencies, independent experts, governments, media houses, and civil society organizations on the most pressing issues facing freedom of expression, the UN News Centre reported.
More than 100 journalists have been killed so far this year, making 2012 the deadliest year for media since UNESCO began keeping records on the issue, the center said.
The new action plan outlines more than 100 areas of work that different UN agencies and civil society groups intend to contribute to securing the safety of journalists, and will operate at the national and global level, it said.
Israeli airstrikes killed three Palestinian journalists during an eight-day assault on the Gaza Strip that ended late Wednesday.
15 nov 2012
Israel blocks journalists from entering Gaza
Israeli authorities are preventing foreign journalists from entering the Gaza Strip despite promises the Erez crossing would be open Thursday.
An email sent to foreign reporters from the Government Press Office said that "following an assessment of the situation & decision by GOC southern command, Erez crossing will be open to journalists with valid GPO cards, subject to their signing a waiver at the crossing."
Nevertheless reporters trying to enter Gaza early Thursday were not being let inside. Journalists stuck at the crossing said it might have been closed due to rocket fire in the vicinity.
During Israel's Cast Lead offensive that began in December 2008, foreign media were banned from entering the Gaza Strip under directives from the army and former GPO head.
An email sent to foreign reporters from the Government Press Office said that "following an assessment of the situation & decision by GOC southern command, Erez crossing will be open to journalists with valid GPO cards, subject to their signing a waiver at the crossing."
Nevertheless reporters trying to enter Gaza early Thursday were not being let inside. Journalists stuck at the crossing said it might have been closed due to rocket fire in the vicinity.
During Israel's Cast Lead offensive that began in December 2008, foreign media were banned from entering the Gaza Strip under directives from the army and former GPO head.
4 nov 2012
Detained journalist in serious health condition
The Palestinian journalists syndicate in Ramallah has expressed utmost concern at the health conditions of journalists held in Israeli occupation jails.
It mentioned in particular syndicate member Mohammed Al-Taj who is living with the help of a ventilator with no proper medical attention granted to his case on the part of the prison administration.
The syndicate said in a statement on Sunday that Taj, 44, has served ten years of his 14-year sentence and had recently engaged in a long hunger strike. It warned that Taj was in danger of death if he was not immediately released from jail.
The syndicate also expressed concern over the condition of Iyad Al-Refai, a fourth grade student in information faculty in Abu Dis university, who was arrested from his home at dawn last Wednesday and never heard of since then.
It quoted lawyer of Dameer foundation for human rights as saying that Refai was under interrogation in Jalama detention center with no visits allowed to him even from lawyers.
It mentioned in particular syndicate member Mohammed Al-Taj who is living with the help of a ventilator with no proper medical attention granted to his case on the part of the prison administration.
The syndicate said in a statement on Sunday that Taj, 44, has served ten years of his 14-year sentence and had recently engaged in a long hunger strike. It warned that Taj was in danger of death if he was not immediately released from jail.
The syndicate also expressed concern over the condition of Iyad Al-Refai, a fourth grade student in information faculty in Abu Dis university, who was arrested from his home at dawn last Wednesday and never heard of since then.
It quoted lawyer of Dameer foundation for human rights as saying that Refai was under interrogation in Jalama detention center with no visits allowed to him even from lawyers.
1 nov 2012
Palestinian Media Forum condemns arrest of Journalist
Iyad Rifai
The Palestinian Media Forum strongly condemned the arrest of the Jerusalemite photojournalist Iyad Rifai by the Israeli forces after raiding his house in Jerusalem.
The forum said in a press release on Wednesday that the occupation forces arrested a journalism student at Al Quds University and the trainee at "Hona al-Quds” Media network, the photographer Iyad Rifai, 20, after raiding his house in the town of Anata east of occupied Jerusalem.
Iyad was recently preparing to display the movie "7300 days of absence", he participated in acting in the movie which was about a young photojournalist who wants to visit Jerusalem, which he did not visit since more than 20 years.
The Forum stressed that the arrest of the journalist Rifai is part of the arrest campaign waged by the occupation forces against Palestinian journalists and media workers and in the context of escalating its campaign against journalists, through arresting and persecuting them, and targeting the Palestinian media institutions.
The Palestinian Media Forum strongly condemned the arrest of the Jerusalemite photojournalist Iyad Rifai by the Israeli forces after raiding his house in Jerusalem.
The forum said in a press release on Wednesday that the occupation forces arrested a journalism student at Al Quds University and the trainee at "Hona al-Quds” Media network, the photographer Iyad Rifai, 20, after raiding his house in the town of Anata east of occupied Jerusalem.
Iyad was recently preparing to display the movie "7300 days of absence", he participated in acting in the movie which was about a young photojournalist who wants to visit Jerusalem, which he did not visit since more than 20 years.
The Forum stressed that the arrest of the journalist Rifai is part of the arrest campaign waged by the occupation forces against Palestinian journalists and media workers and in the context of escalating its campaign against journalists, through arresting and persecuting them, and targeting the Palestinian media institutions.
21 oct 2012
PA rejects appeal to release the journalist Mona
Mohamed Mona
PA court renewed its rejection to the appeal filed for the release of the Quds press reporter in Nablus, Mohammed Mona, 30, on bail and decided to continue his detention which continues since 29 days.
The journalist Mohamed Mona's family told Quds Press that the Magistrate's Court in Nablus has rejected the appeal presented by Mona's lawyer for the second time.
The PA court had rejected in October 11, 2012 to release the Quds Press reporter in Nablus Mohammed Mona on bail, after it extended his arrest for 15 days for the second time in a row, after a similar extension on September 26.
The health condition of the journalist Mona's father, 60, has sharply deteriorated due to the arrest of his son and the PA's refusal to release him, where he was transferred to the hospital after the decision to extend the detention of Mona for 15 days.
The journalist Mohamed Mona was arrested in April by the occupation authorities where he works as Quds Press reporter since 2011.
PA court renewed its rejection to the appeal filed for the release of the Quds press reporter in Nablus, Mohammed Mona, 30, on bail and decided to continue his detention which continues since 29 days.
The journalist Mohamed Mona's family told Quds Press that the Magistrate's Court in Nablus has rejected the appeal presented by Mona's lawyer for the second time.
The PA court had rejected in October 11, 2012 to release the Quds Press reporter in Nablus Mohammed Mona on bail, after it extended his arrest for 15 days for the second time in a row, after a similar extension on September 26.
The health condition of the journalist Mona's father, 60, has sharply deteriorated due to the arrest of his son and the PA's refusal to release him, where he was transferred to the hospital after the decision to extend the detention of Mona for 15 days.
The journalist Mohamed Mona was arrested in April by the occupation authorities where he works as Quds Press reporter since 2011.
16 oct 2012
Forum of journalists slams PA, Israel for press freedom violations
The forum of Palestinian journalists strongly denounced the Palestinian authority and the Israeli regime for their restrictions on the freedom of the press in the West Bank and their detention of six journalists in their jails.
"In the prisons of both the PA security apparatuses and the occupation, the suffering of six Palestinian journalists who are being detained with no legal reason is still ongoing, and this is the fruit of the joint suppression of media freedoms and the systematic targeting of journalists, media workers and opinion writers," the forum stated in a press release on Monday.
The forum said that director of Palestine newspaper's office in the West Bank Walid Khaled and Quds Press reporter Mohamed Mona are being held in PA jails, while the other four journalists in Israeli jails are Mohamed Attaj, Sharif Rajoub, Amer Abu Arafa and Mahmoud Issa.
It also expressed its concern about the health status of Khalid and Mona who have been on hunger strike since the first days of their detention.
The forum noted that the PA security forces kidnapped the two journalists a few days later after their release from Israeli jails in the context of their security cooperation with the Israeli occupation forces.
"In the prisons of both the PA security apparatuses and the occupation, the suffering of six Palestinian journalists who are being detained with no legal reason is still ongoing, and this is the fruit of the joint suppression of media freedoms and the systematic targeting of journalists, media workers and opinion writers," the forum stated in a press release on Monday.
The forum said that director of Palestine newspaper's office in the West Bank Walid Khaled and Quds Press reporter Mohamed Mona are being held in PA jails, while the other four journalists in Israeli jails are Mohamed Attaj, Sharif Rajoub, Amer Abu Arafa and Mahmoud Issa.
It also expressed its concern about the health status of Khalid and Mona who have been on hunger strike since the first days of their detention.
The forum noted that the PA security forces kidnapped the two journalists a few days later after their release from Israeli jails in the context of their security cooperation with the Israeli occupation forces.
12 oct 2012
PA refuses to release the journalist Walid Khalid on bail
PA Preventive Security Service in the city of Nablus refused to release the liberated prisoner, Walid Khalid, West Bank office director of the newspaper "Felestin".
The journalist was arrested on September 18, 2012, during a large-scale arrest campaign waged by the PA security apparatus against members and supporters of Hamas in the West Bank, which came few days after his release from Israeli jails where he had spent 17 years.
Sources confirmed that the journalist and novelist Walid Khalid, was detained just two weeks after his release from Israeli jails, pointing out that the PA Preventive Security Service refused to release him on bail.
The Preventive Security Service still refuses the press and media's appeals for the release of Khalid, although his arrest violates the Palestinian Basic Law and the Freedom of expression and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The journalist was arrested on September 18, 2012, during a large-scale arrest campaign waged by the PA security apparatus against members and supporters of Hamas in the West Bank, which came few days after his release from Israeli jails where he had spent 17 years.
Sources confirmed that the journalist and novelist Walid Khalid, was detained just two weeks after his release from Israeli jails, pointing out that the PA Preventive Security Service refused to release him on bail.
The Preventive Security Service still refuses the press and media's appeals for the release of Khalid, although his arrest violates the Palestinian Basic Law and the Freedom of expression and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
11 oct 2012
After 10 Months of Administrative Detention, Israeli Occupation Releases Journalist Abu Warda
On Wednesday evening 10th October, Israeli occupation authorities released the journalist Amin Abdul Aziz Abu Warda after he spent 10 months of administrative detention in Majdou prison.
Abu Warda said that a state of anger is witnessed among prisoners in Israeli jails due to the Israeli Prison Service's procrastination in responding to their requests.
Abu Warda said that Journalists in Israeli jails are being held without charges and all of them have been transferred to administrative detention under an Israeli claim that they own a secret file and charge, to justify reasons for arrest.
Israeli forces arrested 48 year-old Abu Warda in 28/12/2011, after they raided his house in al-Quds Street in Nablus Governorate, and he was interrogated for more than 40 days and when Israeli authorities had no specific charges against Abu Warda, Israeli authorities transferred him to administrative detention.
While being in Jail, Abu Warda was writing more than 200 stories and news reports about the situation of prisoners' and made scientific studies and research.
It's worth noting that Abu Warda has an MA degree in Media Studies and prior to his arrest he was studying for a PHD in Malaysia. Abu Warda works as an instructor in the An-Najah National University and as a reporter for PNN and the Gulf Emirates newspaper.
Abu Warda said that a state of anger is witnessed among prisoners in Israeli jails due to the Israeli Prison Service's procrastination in responding to their requests.
Abu Warda said that Journalists in Israeli jails are being held without charges and all of them have been transferred to administrative detention under an Israeli claim that they own a secret file and charge, to justify reasons for arrest.
Israeli forces arrested 48 year-old Abu Warda in 28/12/2011, after they raided his house in al-Quds Street in Nablus Governorate, and he was interrogated for more than 40 days and when Israeli authorities had no specific charges against Abu Warda, Israeli authorities transferred him to administrative detention.
While being in Jail, Abu Warda was writing more than 200 stories and news reports about the situation of prisoners' and made scientific studies and research.
It's worth noting that Abu Warda has an MA degree in Media Studies and prior to his arrest he was studying for a PHD in Malaysia. Abu Warda works as an instructor in the An-Najah National University and as a reporter for PNN and the Gulf Emirates newspaper.
PA courts extend detention of eight Hamas supporters
The PA magistrate and primary courts in Nablus have extended the detention of eight supporters of Hamas for 15 days including four brothers and a journalist.
The detainees are held in the preventive security jail of Junaid in Nablus and were all nabbed in mid-September in a campaign of arrests that included the arrest of 120 Hamas supporters in various districts.
Omamah website on Thursday said that Journalist Mohammed Mona was among the eight detainees, adding that he works as a correspondent for Quds Press in Nablus.
It added that four brothers from Orif town were also among the arrestees, and quoted their relatives as saying that they looked exhausted at the court hearing as a result of the cruel interrogation rounds with two of them unable to stand.
The detainees are held in the preventive security jail of Junaid in Nablus and were all nabbed in mid-September in a campaign of arrests that included the arrest of 120 Hamas supporters in various districts.
Omamah website on Thursday said that Journalist Mohammed Mona was among the eight detainees, adding that he works as a correspondent for Quds Press in Nablus.
It added that four brothers from Orif town were also among the arrestees, and quoted their relatives as saying that they looked exhausted at the court hearing as a result of the cruel interrogation rounds with two of them unable to stand.
Participants in 'Access to Information In Palestine' Conference Recommend Adopting the Law
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) in cooperation with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed forces (DCAF) on 09 October 2012 held a conference entitled Access to Information in Palestine: Challenges and Prospects at the Best Eastern Hotel in Ramallah.
More than 100 representatives of the Palestinian executive and legislative authorities, civil society, academia and the media participated in the event. They emphasized the need for a Palestinian law on access to information to be enacted in order to grant Palestinian citizens and journalists access to information held by public bodies.
In the opening session, MADA chairman Dr. Ghazi Hanania said: The convening of this conference comes as an important part of our work and our ongoing effort to promote freedom of expression in Palestine, which are closely linked to freedom of access to information, and our work aimed to defend the journalists, who are exposed to continuous attacks.
He added "Adopting an access to information law is one of the main steps to be taken in order to enable citizens to enjoy this right. The importance of such a law goes beyond ensuring the respect of people's basic rights. It also helps governments engaged in reforming public service with a view to making it more efficient, in line with people's interests and needs. "
Hanania said, "Official institutions in the Arab region are still dealing with information as if it was a matter of strict confidentiality. They monopolize information and prevent citizens from accessing it on various pretexts, most of them being related to 'state secrecy'. These institutions sometimes deliberately impose penalties and even prison sentences when information is disclosed or published."
Nicolas Masson, Deputy Head of the DCAF Ramallah office, explained the work performed by DCAF since 2005 in connection with promoting good governance in the security sector. He presented DCAF and MADA's partnership in training Palestinians journalists on principles of the right to access information and on the structure of the Palestinian Draft Law.
Masson highlighted the importance of journalists' access to information in order for them to oversee the work of public bodies, including security sector institutions. Masson expressed his hope that the conference be a further step towards adopting a Palestinian law on access to information.
"In the Arab Region, only Jordan has enacted an access to information law, which means more than 250 million Arab citizens and thousands of journalists are deprived of this right," Masson added.
Mr. Hassan Al-Ori, Adviser to the President of the Palestinian Authority on Legal Affairs, highlighted the key role played by access to information laws in the life of democratic societies. He said that the right to access to information was a crucial component of social and political deveopment.
Al-Ori stressed that it is important to develop mechanisms to ensure citizens' rights to access information. He added that one of the challenges lies in how information can be provided within the framework of the law.
MADA and DCAF made the following publications available to the participants in the conference:
-· The Right to Access Information in Palestine. A Research Paper, by Bilal al-Barghouthi and Dr. Ahmed Hammad, MADA, 2011-2012
-· Palestinian Media and Security: Promoting Palestinian Journalists' Access to Information through Legislation, DCAF-MADA, 2012
During the conference, speakers made the following presentations:
-· 'The reality of access to information in Palestine', Bilal Barghouti, Expert in Law
-· 'The role of the Palestinian Legislative Council in enhancing access to information held by security forces', Said Zaid, Clerk at the PLC Security and Interior Committee
-· 'Access to information legislation and the Palestinian Government's 2013 legislative plan', Fawaz Abu Zir, Adviser for Legal Affairs at the Council of Ministers
-· 'Access to information laws: a comparative study', Mohamad Abu Arqoub. Researcher and Journalist.
-· 'The right to access information rand security sector governance', Randa Karkar. Director of the Legal Consultation Department at the President's Office
-· 'Enhancing journalists' rights in accessing information through legislation', Fatima Itawi, Projects Officer at DCAF Ramallah.
This conference was conducted with the financial assistance of the Representative Office of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ramallah.
More than 100 representatives of the Palestinian executive and legislative authorities, civil society, academia and the media participated in the event. They emphasized the need for a Palestinian law on access to information to be enacted in order to grant Palestinian citizens and journalists access to information held by public bodies.
In the opening session, MADA chairman Dr. Ghazi Hanania said: The convening of this conference comes as an important part of our work and our ongoing effort to promote freedom of expression in Palestine, which are closely linked to freedom of access to information, and our work aimed to defend the journalists, who are exposed to continuous attacks.
He added "Adopting an access to information law is one of the main steps to be taken in order to enable citizens to enjoy this right. The importance of such a law goes beyond ensuring the respect of people's basic rights. It also helps governments engaged in reforming public service with a view to making it more efficient, in line with people's interests and needs. "
Hanania said, "Official institutions in the Arab region are still dealing with information as if it was a matter of strict confidentiality. They monopolize information and prevent citizens from accessing it on various pretexts, most of them being related to 'state secrecy'. These institutions sometimes deliberately impose penalties and even prison sentences when information is disclosed or published."
Nicolas Masson, Deputy Head of the DCAF Ramallah office, explained the work performed by DCAF since 2005 in connection with promoting good governance in the security sector. He presented DCAF and MADA's partnership in training Palestinians journalists on principles of the right to access information and on the structure of the Palestinian Draft Law.
Masson highlighted the importance of journalists' access to information in order for them to oversee the work of public bodies, including security sector institutions. Masson expressed his hope that the conference be a further step towards adopting a Palestinian law on access to information.
"In the Arab Region, only Jordan has enacted an access to information law, which means more than 250 million Arab citizens and thousands of journalists are deprived of this right," Masson added.
Mr. Hassan Al-Ori, Adviser to the President of the Palestinian Authority on Legal Affairs, highlighted the key role played by access to information laws in the life of democratic societies. He said that the right to access to information was a crucial component of social and political deveopment.
Al-Ori stressed that it is important to develop mechanisms to ensure citizens' rights to access information. He added that one of the challenges lies in how information can be provided within the framework of the law.
MADA and DCAF made the following publications available to the participants in the conference:
-· The Right to Access Information in Palestine. A Research Paper, by Bilal al-Barghouthi and Dr. Ahmed Hammad, MADA, 2011-2012
-· Palestinian Media and Security: Promoting Palestinian Journalists' Access to Information through Legislation, DCAF-MADA, 2012
During the conference, speakers made the following presentations:
-· 'The reality of access to information in Palestine', Bilal Barghouti, Expert in Law
-· 'The role of the Palestinian Legislative Council in enhancing access to information held by security forces', Said Zaid, Clerk at the PLC Security and Interior Committee
-· 'Access to information legislation and the Palestinian Government's 2013 legislative plan', Fawaz Abu Zir, Adviser for Legal Affairs at the Council of Ministers
-· 'Access to information laws: a comparative study', Mohamad Abu Arqoub. Researcher and Journalist.
-· 'The right to access information rand security sector governance', Randa Karkar. Director of the Legal Consultation Department at the President's Office
-· 'Enhancing journalists' rights in accessing information through legislation', Fatima Itawi, Projects Officer at DCAF Ramallah.
This conference was conducted with the financial assistance of the Representative Office of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ramallah.
10 oct 2012
Israeli occupation refuses the appeal of journalist Amer Abu Arfa
Ofer Military court rejected, on Tuesday, the appeal against the decision to extend the administrative detention of the journalist Amir Abdul Halim Abu Arafa.
Human rights sources, which attended the court hearing, reported that the judge questioned the journalist about what he was exposed to in PA's prisons, and that after the journalist talked about his suffering and the torture to which he had been exposed there, the Israeli judge told him: "Stay in our prisons it would be better for you!"
The administrative detention of journalist Abu Arafa has been extended for the third time respectively. He has been detained since 14 months, without charge and without even being interrogated.
Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli occupation jails called, in a letter, on all Muslims around the world and on Palestinian people "in all Gaza strip's camps and villages, all the West Bank's districts and the 1948- occupied territories" to pray for them and lauch a campaign to support their cause.
Human rights sources, which attended the court hearing, reported that the judge questioned the journalist about what he was exposed to in PA's prisons, and that after the journalist talked about his suffering and the torture to which he had been exposed there, the Israeli judge told him: "Stay in our prisons it would be better for you!"
The administrative detention of journalist Abu Arafa has been extended for the third time respectively. He has been detained since 14 months, without charge and without even being interrogated.
Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli occupation jails called, in a letter, on all Muslims around the world and on Palestinian people "in all Gaza strip's camps and villages, all the West Bank's districts and the 1948- occupied territories" to pray for them and lauch a campaign to support their cause.
6 oct 2012
PA extends detention of journalist Walid Khalid
Judge Emad Thabit extended detention of journalist and novelist Walid Khalid, former director of the bureau of "Filastin" daily newspaper in the West Bank, only one day after the decision to release him.
A court in Nablus issued on Wednesday a ruling to release Khalid but the PA Preventive Security Service which arrested him refused to implement the verdict.
Walid Khalid appeared the next day, Thursday, before the same judge Emad Thabit, who extended his detention for 15 additional days.
He disapprovingly told the judge: "Yesterday, you released me and today you extend my detention under the preventive apparatus' pressure. I will refuse to eat and to talk."
The journalist was arrested on September 17, 2012, during a large-scale arrest campaign waged by the PA security apparatus against members and supporters of Hamas in the West Bank, which came few days after his release from Israeli jails.
A court in Nablus issued on Wednesday a ruling to release Khalid but the PA Preventive Security Service which arrested him refused to implement the verdict.
Walid Khalid appeared the next day, Thursday, before the same judge Emad Thabit, who extended his detention for 15 additional days.
He disapprovingly told the judge: "Yesterday, you released me and today you extend my detention under the preventive apparatus' pressure. I will refuse to eat and to talk."
The journalist was arrested on September 17, 2012, during a large-scale arrest campaign waged by the PA security apparatus against members and supporters of Hamas in the West Bank, which came few days after his release from Israeli jails.
5 oct 2012
PA security continue detaining journalist Mona for the 13th day
PA security services continued detaining Quds Press Agency's correspondent in the city of Nablus Mohammad Anwar Mona, 30, for the thirteenth day, as he was arrested September 23.
The Magistrate's Court in the city of Nablus has extended, on 26th of last month, the detention of Mohammed Mona for fifteen additional days, as it prevented his family from attending the court hearing during which the resolution was taken within minutes.
Many human rights international organizations denounced the detention of the journalist Mohammed considering such measure as "an unjustified, arbitrary act against him."
They also demanded the PA to treat him according to provisions of law, ensuring that he is not being subjected to physical abuse or psychological pressure, and to immediately release him to enable him to return to his family.
Journalist Mohammed Mona, who has worked as a correspondent for "Quds Press" Agency since 2011, had been previously arrested last April by the occupation authorities.
The Magistrate's Court in the city of Nablus has extended, on 26th of last month, the detention of Mohammed Mona for fifteen additional days, as it prevented his family from attending the court hearing during which the resolution was taken within minutes.
Many human rights international organizations denounced the detention of the journalist Mohammed considering such measure as "an unjustified, arbitrary act against him."
They also demanded the PA to treat him according to provisions of law, ensuring that he is not being subjected to physical abuse or psychological pressure, and to immediately release him to enable him to return to his family.
Journalist Mohammed Mona, who has worked as a correspondent for "Quds Press" Agency since 2011, had been previously arrested last April by the occupation authorities.
Israeli forces storm al-Aqsa Mosque, disperse Palestinian worshipers
Israeli police take position at al-Aqsa Mosque compound after they stormed the mosque and used stun grenades against Palestinian worshipers.
Israeli forces have stormed al-Aqsa Mosque in al-Quds (Jerusalem), dispersing Palestinian worshipers using stun grenades.
Israeli troops stormed the mosque after a group of settlers tried to enter the compound as Palestinians were saying their Friday Prayers, sparking clashes.
At least five people, including two photographers, were injured after Israeli troops intervened and fired stun grenades. Several Palestinians were also arrested.
The situation at the al-Aqsa, which is one of Islam's holiest sites, has been tense over the past week. On Thursday, at least nine people were arrested after Palestinian worshipers and Israeli settlers clashed inside the compound.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and annexed East al-Quds, where the holy al-Aqsa Mosque is located, a move not recognized by the international community.
Palestinians want that part of the city as capital of their future state.
Israeli forces have stormed al-Aqsa Mosque in al-Quds (Jerusalem), dispersing Palestinian worshipers using stun grenades.
Israeli troops stormed the mosque after a group of settlers tried to enter the compound as Palestinians were saying their Friday Prayers, sparking clashes.
At least five people, including two photographers, were injured after Israeli troops intervened and fired stun grenades. Several Palestinians were also arrested.
The situation at the al-Aqsa, which is one of Islam's holiest sites, has been tense over the past week. On Thursday, at least nine people were arrested after Palestinian worshipers and Israeli settlers clashed inside the compound.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and annexed East al-Quds, where the holy al-Aqsa Mosque is located, a move not recognized by the international community.
Palestinians want that part of the city as capital of their future state.
4 oct 2012
Gaza ministry to investigate journalist complaints
Security forces in the Gaza Strip dispersed a protest last Tuesday organized by the general union of Palestinian women
The Gaza Ministry of Interior will launch an inquiry into complaints by journalists against reporting restrictions in the coastal enclave, a spokesman said Wednesday.
Interior minister Fathi Hammad issued the decision to form the committee, ministry spokesman Islam Shahwan said.
He called on the media to cooperate with the committee.
Hammad has given clear instructions that the work of journalists and media organizations must not be hindered in Gaza, Shahwan added.
On Sunday, a Palestinian press freedom group warned of restrictions and abuse of journalists in the Gaza Strip during a rare demonstration criticizing the Hamas government for negligence in a fire which killed a three-year-old boy.
Palestine Today cameraman Ismail Alibdh was prevented from filming the fire by security officers and told the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms that he was severely beaten before being released, even though he had stopped filming at their request.
Radio station Sawt Alshaab, which ran live coverage of the blaze and ensuing protests, told MADA an anonymous caller to the show threatened to assault staff.
"We often receive threats when we cover sensitive events. I'm calling on Palestinian authorities to provide a safe working environment for journalists," station director Husien Jamal said.
In another incident last week, AFP photographer Mohammed Albaba told MADA that internal security officers prevented all journalists from covering a rally by women calling for political unity.
The Gaza Ministry of Interior will launch an inquiry into complaints by journalists against reporting restrictions in the coastal enclave, a spokesman said Wednesday.
Interior minister Fathi Hammad issued the decision to form the committee, ministry spokesman Islam Shahwan said.
He called on the media to cooperate with the committee.
Hammad has given clear instructions that the work of journalists and media organizations must not be hindered in Gaza, Shahwan added.
On Sunday, a Palestinian press freedom group warned of restrictions and abuse of journalists in the Gaza Strip during a rare demonstration criticizing the Hamas government for negligence in a fire which killed a three-year-old boy.
Palestine Today cameraman Ismail Alibdh was prevented from filming the fire by security officers and told the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms that he was severely beaten before being released, even though he had stopped filming at their request.
Radio station Sawt Alshaab, which ran live coverage of the blaze and ensuing protests, told MADA an anonymous caller to the show threatened to assault staff.
"We often receive threats when we cover sensitive events. I'm calling on Palestinian authorities to provide a safe working environment for journalists," station director Husien Jamal said.
In another incident last week, AFP photographer Mohammed Albaba told MADA that internal security officers prevented all journalists from covering a rally by women calling for political unity.
3 oct 2012
Palestinian Journalist Released, Banned Entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque
On Wednesday 3rd October, Israeli occupation authorities released the journalist Wissam Hamouda, a reporter at Bab al-Arab website in Jerusalem after an interrogation lasted for hours in al-Qashla police station in Bab el-Khalil (Jaffa gate) in Jerusalem.
The Israeli police have accused him of "Inciting and provoking chaos in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and leading Palestinians to protest against settlers breaking into the mosque." as they claimed. Israeli police released Hamouda on Bail and handed him a decision that ban him entry to the mosque for 15 days.
"It seems that Israeli authorities aim at silencing the voice of media and the truth, and prevent the media from revealing Israeli practices in Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque." said Hamouda, "Israeli police considers journalists who do press coverage in the mosque outlaws, and I call on all human rights institutions to intervene to stop attacks on Palestinian Journalists."
It's worth noting that Israeli authorities have banned several Palestinian journalists from entering into the mosque and deported others. They also detained Panet reporter, Amer Abed Rabbo, in the Israeli police station in Bab al-Selsela for interrogation and then released him without conditions.
The Israeli police have accused him of "Inciting and provoking chaos in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and leading Palestinians to protest against settlers breaking into the mosque." as they claimed. Israeli police released Hamouda on Bail and handed him a decision that ban him entry to the mosque for 15 days.
"It seems that Israeli authorities aim at silencing the voice of media and the truth, and prevent the media from revealing Israeli practices in Jerusalem and al-Aqsa mosque." said Hamouda, "Israeli police considers journalists who do press coverage in the mosque outlaws, and I call on all human rights institutions to intervene to stop attacks on Palestinian Journalists."
It's worth noting that Israeli authorities have banned several Palestinian journalists from entering into the mosque and deported others. They also detained Panet reporter, Amer Abed Rabbo, in the Israeli police station in Bab al-Selsela for interrogation and then released him without conditions.
Haartez journalists threaten strike over layoffs
The Thursday edition of Israeli Haaretz newspaper may not be published due to a one-day strike threatened by its journalists over a planned mass layoff.
"We are forced to take this measure after we realized that … the management do not intend to change their plans to lay off 100 employees. This is a regrettable action, but we have no choice," the Workers Union of Haaretz said in a statement on Wednesday.
The union said it was holding a meeting with the managers of the Hebrew daily to discuss the layoff. The journalists have threatened to stop working if their demands are not met.
"Haaretz’s management continues to do what it wants, ignores our claims, and refuses to respond to our demands. The time has come for a general strike," the union noted.
Haaretz, one of main four major Hebrew-language dailies in Israel, has been grappling with falling revenues for years. The drop in revenues has forced the paper’s management to consider spending cuts and layoffs.
The threatened strike at Haaretz coincides with mass protests by journalists at Maariv paper against planned redundancy and budget deficit.
Israeli journalists protest over industry cutbacks
Israeli journalists have gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem in protest against industry cutbacks.
On Wednesday, some 200 employees of the debt-laden Israeli daily newspaper Maariv called on the premier to take action to save their failing industry.
"We are here, hundreds of Maariv workers outside the prime minister's house ... because the printed news industry is collapsing," Maariv parliamentary correspondent Aril Bender said.
Last month, Maariv was sold to Shlomo Ben Zvi, the owner of Makor Rishon newspaper. Under the USD 19-million deal, only 300 of the daily newspaper’s 2,000 staff members are to remain employed.
"If the state and the government do not intervene, we will eventually end up with one newspaper only," Bender added.
The newspaper is second in sales after Yedioth Ahronoth, third in readership after Yedioth Ahronoth and Israel HaYom.
The protest comes as Haaretz employees also threaten to go on general strike over a planned mass layoff.
Haaretz is one of main four major Hebrew-language dailies in Israel. It has been grappling with falling revenues for years.
The drop in revenues has forced the paper’s management to consider spending cuts and layoffs.
"We are forced to take this measure after we realized that … the management do not intend to change their plans to lay off 100 employees. This is a regrettable action, but we have no choice," the Workers Union of Haaretz said in a statement on Wednesday.
The union said it was holding a meeting with the managers of the Hebrew daily to discuss the layoff. The journalists have threatened to stop working if their demands are not met.
"Haaretz’s management continues to do what it wants, ignores our claims, and refuses to respond to our demands. The time has come for a general strike," the union noted.
Haaretz, one of main four major Hebrew-language dailies in Israel, has been grappling with falling revenues for years. The drop in revenues has forced the paper’s management to consider spending cuts and layoffs.
The threatened strike at Haaretz coincides with mass protests by journalists at Maariv paper against planned redundancy and budget deficit.
Israeli journalists protest over industry cutbacks
Israeli journalists have gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem in protest against industry cutbacks.
On Wednesday, some 200 employees of the debt-laden Israeli daily newspaper Maariv called on the premier to take action to save their failing industry.
"We are here, hundreds of Maariv workers outside the prime minister's house ... because the printed news industry is collapsing," Maariv parliamentary correspondent Aril Bender said.
Last month, Maariv was sold to Shlomo Ben Zvi, the owner of Makor Rishon newspaper. Under the USD 19-million deal, only 300 of the daily newspaper’s 2,000 staff members are to remain employed.
"If the state and the government do not intervene, we will eventually end up with one newspaper only," Bender added.
The newspaper is second in sales after Yedioth Ahronoth, third in readership after Yedioth Ahronoth and Israel HaYom.
The protest comes as Haaretz employees also threaten to go on general strike over a planned mass layoff.
Haaretz is one of main four major Hebrew-language dailies in Israel. It has been grappling with falling revenues for years.
The drop in revenues has forced the paper’s management to consider spending cuts and layoffs.
1 oct 2012
MADA Demands Public Bodies to Facilitate the Journalists to Obtain Information
MADA said in a press release issued on Sunday 30th September, the World celebrates the International Right to Know Day in the twenty-eighth of September every year, given the importance of this right closely linked to free access to information, it became common to say in our time that "Who owns the information has the power," addition to right and accuracy of it , it carries within it an explanation of the motives behind the efforts of different countries and authorities to withhold information, and to prevent access to it by people under different justifications.
Proceeding from the conviction of the importance of this right Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms " MADA " has worked in order to promote this right in Palestine, whether through hard work to defend freedom of expression and the media, or through media studies issued by it including the legal regulation of media freedom in Palestine, and the right to access to information and its reality in Palestine, which has been translated to English language and reprinted recently in the framework of joint cooperation between the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) and the Geneva Center for the Democratic Control over Armed Forces (DCAF).
This cooperation aims to promote the right of citizens and Palestinian media to access information held by public bodies, including the security sector institutions. the study will be displayed in addition to a working paper published by the two centers in this regard during the national conference to be held on the ninth of October .
That access to information which is a basic human right still absent from placed within legislation, or in the legal framework, protects and provides and regulates this right in Palestine. Not least the status and importance of this right was approved in 1946 the General Assembly of the United Nations before issuing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, which its Article No. 19 guarantees freedom of expression.
Not only is this important right meet the needs of individuals and journalists only, but that it is a basic need for governments and regimes wishing to devote reform and make the work more efficient and an expression of the people's interests and needs.
We at MADA will work in cooperation with our friends and partners, especially with Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression in Palestine, and the Geneva Center for the Democratic Control over Armed Forces (DCAF), and relevant United Nations organizations, to promote this right and to be issued in a law, which allows the media and citizens access to information readily and easily and at the lowest possible cost.
Today we call on all public bodies to facilitate the arrival of journalists to information which will contribute to the development of professional performance of Palestinian Media, and provides information for citizens to enable them to participate effectively in public life.
Proceeding from the conviction of the importance of this right Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms " MADA " has worked in order to promote this right in Palestine, whether through hard work to defend freedom of expression and the media, or through media studies issued by it including the legal regulation of media freedom in Palestine, and the right to access to information and its reality in Palestine, which has been translated to English language and reprinted recently in the framework of joint cooperation between the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) and the Geneva Center for the Democratic Control over Armed Forces (DCAF).
This cooperation aims to promote the right of citizens and Palestinian media to access information held by public bodies, including the security sector institutions. the study will be displayed in addition to a working paper published by the two centers in this regard during the national conference to be held on the ninth of October .
That access to information which is a basic human right still absent from placed within legislation, or in the legal framework, protects and provides and regulates this right in Palestine. Not least the status and importance of this right was approved in 1946 the General Assembly of the United Nations before issuing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, which its Article No. 19 guarantees freedom of expression.
Not only is this important right meet the needs of individuals and journalists only, but that it is a basic need for governments and regimes wishing to devote reform and make the work more efficient and an expression of the people's interests and needs.
We at MADA will work in cooperation with our friends and partners, especially with Coalition to Defend Freedom of Expression in Palestine, and the Geneva Center for the Democratic Control over Armed Forces (DCAF), and relevant United Nations organizations, to promote this right and to be issued in a law, which allows the media and citizens access to information readily and easily and at the lowest possible cost.
Today we call on all public bodies to facilitate the arrival of journalists to information which will contribute to the development of professional performance of Palestinian Media, and provides information for citizens to enable them to participate effectively in public life.
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