23 oct 2013
Aysar Barghouti
Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms "MADA" condemned the attack by Israeli forces on Amjad Shoman, a cameraman working for the Ramallah-based Wattan TV. Shoman was shot in the head by a rubber-coated metal bullet on Tuesday while covering the events at Bil'in village, west of Ramallah.
Wattan TV reporter, Aysar Barghouti, told MADA that he and his colleague Shoman were shot at when they were trying to film the clashes that erupted between Bil'in residents and Israeli forces after the killing of Mohammed Asi.
Barghouti added that he and Shoman told the soldiers that they were reporters but the soldiers continued to fire tear gas and rubber bullets toward them hitting Shoman in the head and smashing the back window of their car.
Shouman was taken to a hospital for treatment.
MADA center called on international community to hold the Israeli occupation accountable for its continued violations against journalists.
Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms "MADA" condemned the attack by Israeli forces on Amjad Shoman, a cameraman working for the Ramallah-based Wattan TV. Shoman was shot in the head by a rubber-coated metal bullet on Tuesday while covering the events at Bil'in village, west of Ramallah.
Wattan TV reporter, Aysar Barghouti, told MADA that he and his colleague Shoman were shot at when they were trying to film the clashes that erupted between Bil'in residents and Israeli forces after the killing of Mohammed Asi.
Barghouti added that he and Shoman told the soldiers that they were reporters but the soldiers continued to fire tear gas and rubber bullets toward them hitting Shoman in the head and smashing the back window of their car.
Shouman was taken to a hospital for treatment.
MADA center called on international community to hold the Israeli occupation accountable for its continued violations against journalists.
21 oct 2013
Violations continued to rise against journalists in Palestine during the month of September 2013, committed most notably by the Israeli occupation forces and internal security within the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) has been monitoring many of the violations perpetrated by the occupation, with the most emphasised being physical assault on journalists, the use of bombs, wastewater and rubber bullets. While the internal security apparatus of the Hamas government launched an extensive campaign targeting journalists, bloggers and writers, one journalist was arrested and another called up by two members of Intelligence and Preventive Security in the West Bank.
Israeli Violations:
Israeli occupation forces prevented Omar Abu Arqoub, correspondent with Al Quds network for Community Media, from traveling through the Karama (Allenby) crossing on Sunday 1st September 2013 without stated reason.
The occupation forces assaulted big number of journalists in the West Bank and Jerusalem, firing tear gas at Ja'far Ishtayeh, photographer with France Press Agency, and Ala' Badarneh, European Agency photographer while covering the Kofor Qadom weekly march near Qalqelia city on Friday 6th September 2013. Ishtayeh sustained injuries to his feet. Journalists in front of "Bab Hetta" covering the demonstrations were also assaulted, reporting the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the occupation forces who prevented prayers and allowed settlers to break in on Wednesday 11th September 2013.
In Nablus city, occupation forces also attacked Nedal Ishtayeh, photographer with the Chinese news agency, confiscating his cameras on Thursday 12th September 2013 and eventually returning them broken. Ayman Idris, photographer with Ramsat agency was wounded by two sound bombs while covering the Kofor Qadom weekly march on Friday 20th September 2013.
The occupation forces attacked a group of journalists with sound bombs and waste blue water, as well as physically assaulting them, during their coverage of a protest march over the repeated incursions of the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday 24th September 2013 in the area of the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem.
On Friday 27th September 2013, the Israeli occupation forces attacked a group of journalists during their coverage of the weekly march in Beit Ommer, Hebron city. An Israeli soldier fired rubber bullets in the direction of Mousa Al Sha'er, French Agency photographer as he reported on events in solidarity with the Al-Aqsa Mosque and against settlements in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem city on Friday 27th September 2013. This led to the wounding of his left hand the right side of the chest.
Occupation forces prevented Esam Remawi, Al Hayat Al Jadeda photographer, and Thaer Faqosa, Public Palestinian T.V. photographer from covering the raiding of Al-Bireh city by three Israeli military jeeps on Monday 23rd September 2013.
Palestinian Violations:
Palestinian violations also increased significantly last month, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The internal security of the Hamas government called journalists Nasr Abu Fool and WAFA Agency correspondent Mohammed Khalil Abu Fayyad (40 years) to the headquarters in Gaza City on Monday 2nd September 2013, and Khan Younis on Sunday 8th September 2013. It also called writer and university lecturer Yahya Al madhon (35 years) to the headquarters in Jabalia on Tuesday 10th September 2013.
Journalist Ra'fat Abdel Ra'of Toman (34 years) was called several times to investigation in Khan Younis, beginning on Tuesday 10th September 2013. Fathi Tbeil, WAFA Agency correspondent (59 years) was called twice, the first during his coverage of the weekly feminist demands for an end to the division on Tuesday 10th September 2013, and then again on 14th September 2013.
Journalist and blogger Hatem Abdullah Salameh (38 years) has been called several times to the internal security headquarters in Khan Younis, initially on Tuesday 3rd September 2013 following exposure to the specter of violence. In the West Bank, the Palestinian intelligence service arrested Thaher Shamaly, Heyad News Agency correspondent at his home in Ramallah on Saturday 14th September 2013, while Preventive Security in the city of Hebron called Quds TV correspondent Mustafa Al Khawaja for investigation on Sunday 29th September 2013.
Recommendations:
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms expresses great concern over the escalation of violations against journalists in Palestine and demands that the concerned authorities respect the freedom of opinion and expression. MADA also demands an immediate move to stop the violations aiming to silence the press, as the majority of violations during the past month have been collectively punishments of all journalists present at events.
Internally, the concerned Palestinian authorities, especially in the Gaza Strip, demand a cessation to the policy of prosecuting and calling up journalists, and stress respect for the Palestinian constitution, which guarantees freedom of opinion and expression explicitly in Article 19. MADA also expresses concern about the continued closure of the Ma'an agency and Alarabiya TV offices, and calls again to cancel the decision of closure and stop the incitement campaign against Ma'an and its chief editor Nasser Al- Lahham.
Israeli Violations:
Israeli occupation forces prevented Omar Abu Arqoub, correspondent with Al Quds network for Community Media, from traveling through the Karama (Allenby) crossing on Sunday 1st September 2013 without stated reason.
The occupation forces assaulted big number of journalists in the West Bank and Jerusalem, firing tear gas at Ja'far Ishtayeh, photographer with France Press Agency, and Ala' Badarneh, European Agency photographer while covering the Kofor Qadom weekly march near Qalqelia city on Friday 6th September 2013. Ishtayeh sustained injuries to his feet. Journalists in front of "Bab Hetta" covering the demonstrations were also assaulted, reporting the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the occupation forces who prevented prayers and allowed settlers to break in on Wednesday 11th September 2013.
In Nablus city, occupation forces also attacked Nedal Ishtayeh, photographer with the Chinese news agency, confiscating his cameras on Thursday 12th September 2013 and eventually returning them broken. Ayman Idris, photographer with Ramsat agency was wounded by two sound bombs while covering the Kofor Qadom weekly march on Friday 20th September 2013.
The occupation forces attacked a group of journalists with sound bombs and waste blue water, as well as physically assaulting them, during their coverage of a protest march over the repeated incursions of the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday 24th September 2013 in the area of the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem.
On Friday 27th September 2013, the Israeli occupation forces attacked a group of journalists during their coverage of the weekly march in Beit Ommer, Hebron city. An Israeli soldier fired rubber bullets in the direction of Mousa Al Sha'er, French Agency photographer as he reported on events in solidarity with the Al-Aqsa Mosque and against settlements in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem city on Friday 27th September 2013. This led to the wounding of his left hand the right side of the chest.
Occupation forces prevented Esam Remawi, Al Hayat Al Jadeda photographer, and Thaer Faqosa, Public Palestinian T.V. photographer from covering the raiding of Al-Bireh city by three Israeli military jeeps on Monday 23rd September 2013.
Palestinian Violations:
Palestinian violations also increased significantly last month, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The internal security of the Hamas government called journalists Nasr Abu Fool and WAFA Agency correspondent Mohammed Khalil Abu Fayyad (40 years) to the headquarters in Gaza City on Monday 2nd September 2013, and Khan Younis on Sunday 8th September 2013. It also called writer and university lecturer Yahya Al madhon (35 years) to the headquarters in Jabalia on Tuesday 10th September 2013.
Journalist Ra'fat Abdel Ra'of Toman (34 years) was called several times to investigation in Khan Younis, beginning on Tuesday 10th September 2013. Fathi Tbeil, WAFA Agency correspondent (59 years) was called twice, the first during his coverage of the weekly feminist demands for an end to the division on Tuesday 10th September 2013, and then again on 14th September 2013.
Journalist and blogger Hatem Abdullah Salameh (38 years) has been called several times to the internal security headquarters in Khan Younis, initially on Tuesday 3rd September 2013 following exposure to the specter of violence. In the West Bank, the Palestinian intelligence service arrested Thaher Shamaly, Heyad News Agency correspondent at his home in Ramallah on Saturday 14th September 2013, while Preventive Security in the city of Hebron called Quds TV correspondent Mustafa Al Khawaja for investigation on Sunday 29th September 2013.
Recommendations:
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms expresses great concern over the escalation of violations against journalists in Palestine and demands that the concerned authorities respect the freedom of opinion and expression. MADA also demands an immediate move to stop the violations aiming to silence the press, as the majority of violations during the past month have been collectively punishments of all journalists present at events.
Internally, the concerned Palestinian authorities, especially in the Gaza Strip, demand a cessation to the policy of prosecuting and calling up journalists, and stress respect for the Palestinian constitution, which guarantees freedom of opinion and expression explicitly in Article 19. MADA also expresses concern about the continued closure of the Ma'an agency and Alarabiya TV offices, and calls again to cancel the decision of closure and stop the incitement campaign against Ma'an and its chief editor Nasser Al- Lahham.
20 oct 2013
A group of journalists rallied in Ramallah on Sunday to launch a petition to reopen the Gaza bureaus of Ma'an News Agency and al-Arabiya.
The petition stated that the closure of the media offices violates Article 19 of the Palestinian Basic Law, which entitles the freedom of opinion, and Article 27, which allows anyone to operate a media outlet.
Rally leader Omar Nazzal said the petition aims to pressure Hamas to reopen the media offices, adding that the closures were a "slap in the face" for freedom of expression.
Nazzal called on intellectuals and writers to sign the petition.
Ma'an's Gaza bureau has been closed since July 25.
The attorney-general in the Hamas-run government ordered the closure after Hamas officials accused Ma'an of deliberately publishing "false news reports seeking to incite against Gaza."
Ma'an Network announced in early October that it would stop working in the Gaza Strip as it seeks to recoup financial losses from the Hamas government's closure of its Gaza City office.
In a statement, Ma'an said that the Hamas government had seized control of its office and equipment in the weeks since the closure and it could therefore no longer justify paying expenses toward the operation.
The statement also reiterated "complete confidence in our colleagues in Gaza" and insisted it remained committed to its "administrative and financial commitments" toward them.
The petition stated that the closure of the media offices violates Article 19 of the Palestinian Basic Law, which entitles the freedom of opinion, and Article 27, which allows anyone to operate a media outlet.
Rally leader Omar Nazzal said the petition aims to pressure Hamas to reopen the media offices, adding that the closures were a "slap in the face" for freedom of expression.
Nazzal called on intellectuals and writers to sign the petition.
Ma'an's Gaza bureau has been closed since July 25.
The attorney-general in the Hamas-run government ordered the closure after Hamas officials accused Ma'an of deliberately publishing "false news reports seeking to incite against Gaza."
Ma'an Network announced in early October that it would stop working in the Gaza Strip as it seeks to recoup financial losses from the Hamas government's closure of its Gaza City office.
In a statement, Ma'an said that the Hamas government had seized control of its office and equipment in the weeks since the closure and it could therefore no longer justify paying expenses toward the operation.
The statement also reiterated "complete confidence in our colleagues in Gaza" and insisted it remained committed to its "administrative and financial commitments" toward them.
12 oct 2013
The forum of Palestinian journalists strongly denounced the arrest campaigns that are launched mutually by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Israel against Palestinian journalists in the West Bank, especially the recent detention of three of them as they were covering events related to Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque. In a press release on Friday, the forum said that the PA intelligence agency kidnapped cameraman Mus'ab Saeed on Thursday outside Al-Bireh municipal council and confiscated his camera after he covered a symposium on the Aqsa Mosque staged by organizers of the Palestinian campaign "I have the right to pray at the Aqsa"
It affirmed that the arrest of Saeed took place concurrently with the detention of two other cameramen by the Israeli police as they were taking photos of Jewish settlers defiling the Aqsa Mosque under police protection.
The forum also said that the Israeli occupation forces prevented on Friday a number of journalists from entering Kafr Qaddum village to cover the weekly march against settlement activities.
The forum stressed that the arrest of journalists covering events in support of the Aqsa Mosque reflects the behavioral deviance of those in charge of the PA security apparatuses.
It affirmed that the arrest of Saeed took place concurrently with the detention of two other cameramen by the Israeli police as they were taking photos of Jewish settlers defiling the Aqsa Mosque under police protection.
The forum also said that the Israeli occupation forces prevented on Friday a number of journalists from entering Kafr Qaddum village to cover the weekly march against settlement activities.
The forum stressed that the arrest of journalists covering events in support of the Aqsa Mosque reflects the behavioral deviance of those in charge of the PA security apparatuses.
11 oct 2013
Dozens of settlers stormed on Friday Solomon's Pools area in the town of Khedr in Bethlehem south of the occupied West Bank, to perform Talmudic rituals there. Ahmed Salah, coordinator of the Popular Committee against the Settlements and Wall in the town of Khedr, reported that nearly one hundred settlers from Efrat settlement stormed the archaeological areas of Solomon's Pools and Khirbet Qoton, under the protection of Israeli military forces.
He said the settlers desecrated the place and performed Talmudic rituals there.
Salah pointed out that the Israeli soldiers detained the photojournalist Samer Hamad and prevented him from covering the events in Solomon's Pools. They released him after the withdrawal of the settlers from the area.
He said the settlers desecrated the place and performed Talmudic rituals there.
Salah pointed out that the Israeli soldiers detained the photojournalist Samer Hamad and prevented him from covering the events in Solomon's Pools. They released him after the withdrawal of the settlers from the area.
Israeli forces raided Qalqiliya and detained two Palestinians early Friday morning, witnesses in the Palestinian city said.
One of the detained was a photographer.
According to sources, an Israeli military force raided Qalqiliya at 2 a.m., raiding several houses in the city. They detained two Palestinians, Mahmoud al-Shanti and Musab Zahran, and took them to an unknown location.
Al-Shanti works as a photographer with Chinese news agency Xinhua and he is a member of the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate.
An Israeli army spokeswoman confirmed the detentions, adding that they were detained for "illegal activities."
The Palestinian city of Qalqiliya is nearly completely surrounded by the Israeli separation wall, while checkpoints cut it off from most of the West Bank.
Israel began building the separation wall in 2002, and the route has been the target of regular demonstrations by border towns whose land is cut off by its path. Israel has regularly confiscated large plots of Palestinian land in order to build the wall. When the 435-mile barrier is complete, 85 percent of it will have been built inside the occupied West Bank.
In 2004 the International Court of Justice ruled that the separation wall was illegal and "tantamount to annexation."
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
One of the detained was a photographer.
According to sources, an Israeli military force raided Qalqiliya at 2 a.m., raiding several houses in the city. They detained two Palestinians, Mahmoud al-Shanti and Musab Zahran, and took them to an unknown location.
Al-Shanti works as a photographer with Chinese news agency Xinhua and he is a member of the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate.
An Israeli army spokeswoman confirmed the detentions, adding that they were detained for "illegal activities."
The Palestinian city of Qalqiliya is nearly completely surrounded by the Israeli separation wall, while checkpoints cut it off from most of the West Bank.
Israel began building the separation wall in 2002, and the route has been the target of regular demonstrations by border towns whose land is cut off by its path. Israel has regularly confiscated large plots of Palestinian land in order to build the wall. When the 435-mile barrier is complete, 85 percent of it will have been built inside the occupied West Bank.
In 2004 the International Court of Justice ruled that the separation wall was illegal and "tantamount to annexation."
The internationally recognized Palestinian territories of which the West Bank and East Jerusalem form a part have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.
Israeli forces Friday prevented a Palestinian news team from entering the northern West Bank village of Kafr Qaddum to cover the weekly protest, a Palestine TV director said.
Ezzat Oba, director of the Palestine TV office, said that Israeli soldiers detained the TV team and confiscated the keys to their car.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, Oba added. He said that Israeli forces target Palestine TV teams and impede their ability to do their jobs.
A spokeswoman for the Israeli army did not immediately return calls.
Protests are held every Friday in Kafr Qaddum against Israel's closure of a main road linking the village to its nearest city, Nablus.
Israel has confiscated land owned by villagers for the illegal Jewish settlement Qedumin.
Ezzat Oba, director of the Palestine TV office, said that Israeli soldiers detained the TV team and confiscated the keys to their car.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, Oba added. He said that Israeli forces target Palestine TV teams and impede their ability to do their jobs.
A spokeswoman for the Israeli army did not immediately return calls.
Protests are held every Friday in Kafr Qaddum against Israel's closure of a main road linking the village to its nearest city, Nablus.
Israel has confiscated land owned by villagers for the illegal Jewish settlement Qedumin.
4 oct 2013
Screenshot of the Al-Aqsa report
Hamas-run Al-Aqsa satellite channel accused Ma'an News Agency editor-in-chief Nasser Laham on Thursday of "fabricating" news about a military confrontation between the Egyptian army and Hamas.
Al-Aqsa has in the past targeted Ma'an but had not previously singled out Laham.
Hamas accused Laham of writing fabricated stories about to a violent attack against a leader in the Egyptian army. Laham, who has been out of the country covering a United Nations General Assembly, was not the author of the story.
Ma'an denied the latest accusations and offered to let the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate investigate the charges.
It noted that it has employed established Egyptian reporters in the Sinai and Egypt for many years, and emphasized that they only are the primary sources for stories about Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula.
These reporters, in turn, rely upon reliable source, Ma'an said.
Hamas-run Al-Aqsa satellite channel accused Ma'an News Agency editor-in-chief Nasser Laham on Thursday of "fabricating" news about a military confrontation between the Egyptian army and Hamas.
Al-Aqsa has in the past targeted Ma'an but had not previously singled out Laham.
Hamas accused Laham of writing fabricated stories about to a violent attack against a leader in the Egyptian army. Laham, who has been out of the country covering a United Nations General Assembly, was not the author of the story.
Ma'an denied the latest accusations and offered to let the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate investigate the charges.
It noted that it has employed established Egyptian reporters in the Sinai and Egypt for many years, and emphasized that they only are the primary sources for stories about Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula.
These reporters, in turn, rely upon reliable source, Ma'an said.
2 oct 2013
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) demands the canceling of Ma'an Agency and Alrabiya TV offices closure decision in Gaza, and the reopening of their offices immediately, where the closure continued for more than two months, which led Ma'an administration to conduct harsh and unusual step, to halt the work of its office employees there Monday (30/10/2013).
MADA added that Ma'an office reopening will end the problem and will lead to the return of workers to their work, with the emphasis that MADA is absolutely against any actions against journalists who have no guilt in the closure decision.
MADA stressed in previous statements that the public prosecutor's decision in Gaza and dated 25/07/2013 is illegal and clear violation of the Printing and Publications Law and the Palestinian Basic Law, in addition the decision to close was temporary, but didn't specify the duration.
MADA renews their call again for freedom of expression respect in Palestine, and not to involve journalists and the media outlets in the internal Palestinian differences, where they have been suffering from serious violations since the beginning of the division in mid-June 2007.
MADA added that Ma'an office reopening will end the problem and will lead to the return of workers to their work, with the emphasis that MADA is absolutely against any actions against journalists who have no guilt in the closure decision.
MADA stressed in previous statements that the public prosecutor's decision in Gaza and dated 25/07/2013 is illegal and clear violation of the Printing and Publications Law and the Palestinian Basic Law, in addition the decision to close was temporary, but didn't specify the duration.
MADA renews their call again for freedom of expression respect in Palestine, and not to involve journalists and the media outlets in the internal Palestinian differences, where they have been suffering from serious violations since the beginning of the division in mid-June 2007.
1 oct 2013
A spokesman for the Hamas-run government in Gaza on Tuesday offered to hire Ma'an staff members after Ma'an Network announced it would stop operations in Gaza due to the closure of its office.
Ehab al-Ghussein said the "non-independent, non-professional Ma'an News Agency keeps on doing its immoral work which harms the life of the Palestinian people," and offered to hire all of Ma'an's Gaza staff within the Hamas government's temporary employment program.
The government is ready to absorb former staff "until they find another work opportunity," he said.
"Instead of complying with initiatives by several journalists from different directions suggesting that Ma'an rectify its course, which has seriously moved away from professionalism, the news agency continues with its immoral conduct by abusively firing its employees," al-Ghussein said.
Ma'an's administration likened the proposal to the practice of sexual assault perpetrators being forced to marry their victim. "Hamas has shut down Ma'an's office, violating press freedoms, and now, motivated by a guilty complex, has suggested it would employ Ma'an's Gaza staff," a statement read.
Ma'an Network announced Monday that it would stop working in the Gaza Strip as it seeks to recoup financial losses from the Hamas government's July closure of its Gaza City office.
In a statement, Ma'an said that the Hamas government had seized control of its office and equipment in the weeks since the closure and it could therefore no longer justify paying expenses toward the operation.
The statement also reiterated "complete confidence in our colleagues in Gaza" and insisted it remained committed to its "administrative and financial commitments" toward them.
Hamas closed Ma'an's Gaza City office on July 25, citing vague accusations.
At the time, the attorney general said he ordered the closure after Hamas officials accused Ma'an of deliberately publishing "false news reports seeking to incite against Gaza."
Ma'an stops work in Gaza, seeks damages from Hamas
Ma'an Network announced Monday that it would stop working in the Gaza Strip as it seeks to recoup financial losses from the Hamas government's July closure of its Gaza City office.
In a statement, Ma'an said that the Hamas government had seized control of its office and equipment in the weeks since the closure and it could therefore no longer justify paying expenses toward the operation.
The network said it was turning to Palestinian and international courts to seek damages for wages and lost revenues, adding that Hamas would "bear all losses caused by this reckless step."
The statement also reiterated "complete confidence in our colleagues in Gaza" and insisted it remained committed to its "administrative and financial commitments" toward them.
But Ma'an said it would not "fund a coup against media freedom and freedom of expression" nor legitimize Hamas' policy toward the press, which it described as "outside the law and beyond any accountability."
Hamas closed Ma'an's Gaza City office on July 25, citing vague accusations.
At the time, the attorney general said he ordered the closure after Hamas officials accused Ma'an of deliberately publishing "false news reports seeking to incite against Gaza."
Ehab al-Ghussein said the "non-independent, non-professional Ma'an News Agency keeps on doing its immoral work which harms the life of the Palestinian people," and offered to hire all of Ma'an's Gaza staff within the Hamas government's temporary employment program.
The government is ready to absorb former staff "until they find another work opportunity," he said.
"Instead of complying with initiatives by several journalists from different directions suggesting that Ma'an rectify its course, which has seriously moved away from professionalism, the news agency continues with its immoral conduct by abusively firing its employees," al-Ghussein said.
Ma'an's administration likened the proposal to the practice of sexual assault perpetrators being forced to marry their victim. "Hamas has shut down Ma'an's office, violating press freedoms, and now, motivated by a guilty complex, has suggested it would employ Ma'an's Gaza staff," a statement read.
Ma'an Network announced Monday that it would stop working in the Gaza Strip as it seeks to recoup financial losses from the Hamas government's July closure of its Gaza City office.
In a statement, Ma'an said that the Hamas government had seized control of its office and equipment in the weeks since the closure and it could therefore no longer justify paying expenses toward the operation.
The statement also reiterated "complete confidence in our colleagues in Gaza" and insisted it remained committed to its "administrative and financial commitments" toward them.
Hamas closed Ma'an's Gaza City office on July 25, citing vague accusations.
At the time, the attorney general said he ordered the closure after Hamas officials accused Ma'an of deliberately publishing "false news reports seeking to incite against Gaza."
Ma'an stops work in Gaza, seeks damages from Hamas
Ma'an Network announced Monday that it would stop working in the Gaza Strip as it seeks to recoup financial losses from the Hamas government's July closure of its Gaza City office.
In a statement, Ma'an said that the Hamas government had seized control of its office and equipment in the weeks since the closure and it could therefore no longer justify paying expenses toward the operation.
The network said it was turning to Palestinian and international courts to seek damages for wages and lost revenues, adding that Hamas would "bear all losses caused by this reckless step."
The statement also reiterated "complete confidence in our colleagues in Gaza" and insisted it remained committed to its "administrative and financial commitments" toward them.
But Ma'an said it would not "fund a coup against media freedom and freedom of expression" nor legitimize Hamas' policy toward the press, which it described as "outside the law and beyond any accountability."
Hamas closed Ma'an's Gaza City office on July 25, citing vague accusations.
At the time, the attorney general said he ordered the closure after Hamas officials accused Ma'an of deliberately publishing "false news reports seeking to incite against Gaza."
Israeli forces committed 15 violations against Palestinian journalists in the West bank and Gaza Strip, according to the monthly report of the Government Media Office. The report mentioned that the Israeli soldiers arrested journalist Mahmoud Abu Al-ata , worked as a Director of media dep. at Al-aqsa Channel, from inside Al-aqsa Mosque and detained the journalist Sabrin Dyiab, from Jerusalem, for interrogation.
12 journalists were injured, during dispersing rallies, whether by rubber coated bullets or gas bombs.
Israeli forces also prevented journalist Mohammed Shtawi, from the Gaza Strip, from travelling to Jordan for treatment despite obtaining referral report from Ministry of Health.
Since the beginning of 2013 , 139 violations against journalists have been reported; including detention , physical assaults and prevention from practising their jobs.
The Palestinian journalists called International the Federation of Journalists for protecting them and put an end for the repetitive violations .
12 journalists were injured, during dispersing rallies, whether by rubber coated bullets or gas bombs.
Israeli forces also prevented journalist Mohammed Shtawi, from the Gaza Strip, from travelling to Jordan for treatment despite obtaining referral report from Ministry of Health.
Since the beginning of 2013 , 139 violations against journalists have been reported; including detention , physical assaults and prevention from practising their jobs.
The Palestinian journalists called International the Federation of Journalists for protecting them and put an end for the repetitive violations .
29 sept 2013
Saturday [September 28, 2013] Israeli soldiers attacked Palestinian journalist, Sabreen Thiab, and took her to a police station to interrogate her for carrying a picture of late Egyptian President, Jamal Abdel Nasser.
Thiab, from Tamra in the Galilee, was stopped by a number of Israeli police officers at the Bab Al-Hadid (Iron Gate), in occupied East Jerusalem.
The soldiers insulted Sabreen, and used foul language against the late president of Egypt, before talking her to a Police station, where the soldiers continued to use verbal insults while threatening to arrest her.
The Police released her later on under the condition that she leaves Jerusalem, the Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) has reported.
Thiab, from Tamra in the Galilee, was stopped by a number of Israeli police officers at the Bab Al-Hadid (Iron Gate), in occupied East Jerusalem.
The soldiers insulted Sabreen, and used foul language against the late president of Egypt, before talking her to a Police station, where the soldiers continued to use verbal insults while threatening to arrest her.
The Police released her later on under the condition that she leaves Jerusalem, the Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) has reported.
28 sept 2013
Similar attacks targeted protesters in other parts of West Bank
Medical sources in Bil’in village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, have reported that a cameraman was injured, and dozens of protesters suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, after Israeli soldiers attacked the weekly nonviolent protest against the Annexation Wall and settlements.
Rateb Abu Rahma, coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Bil’in, stated that the soldiers fired dozens of gas bombs, concussion grenades, and rubber-coated metal bullets at the protesters as they approached Palestinian lands close to the Wall.
Abu Rahma added that cameraman Hamza Bornat, 21, was shot by a rubber-coated metal bullet in his arm, while dozens of locals, Israeli and international peace activists suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, the Radio Bethlehem 2000 has reported.
The protesters raised Palestinian flags and banners, and chanted for national unity, the release of all detainees, and the liberation of Palestine.
Abu Rahma said that today’s protest also marks the 13th anniversary of the second Palestinian Intifada (The Al-Aqsa Intifada), adding that the Palestinian people will always defend Islamic and Christian holy sites in Palestine.
Also on Friday, soldiers attacked the weekly protests in the nearby villages of Ni’lin and Nabi Saleh.
Soldiers used teargas and chemical water that generate bad smell to attack residents and their supporters before leaving the village of Al Nabi Saleh.
Moreover, dozens of soldiers invaded Nabi Saleh and fired tear gas inside residents’ homes casing many women and children to suffer effects of tear gas inhalation as well.
Elsewhere at al Ma’sara village, near the West Bank city of Bethlehem, soldiers stopped the weekly anti wall protest at the entrance of the village.
Soldiers forced people back into the village using rifle butts and batons to bush people back, no injuries were reported.
Medical sources in Bil’in village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah, have reported that a cameraman was injured, and dozens of protesters suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, after Israeli soldiers attacked the weekly nonviolent protest against the Annexation Wall and settlements.
Rateb Abu Rahma, coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements in Bil’in, stated that the soldiers fired dozens of gas bombs, concussion grenades, and rubber-coated metal bullets at the protesters as they approached Palestinian lands close to the Wall.
Abu Rahma added that cameraman Hamza Bornat, 21, was shot by a rubber-coated metal bullet in his arm, while dozens of locals, Israeli and international peace activists suffered the effects of teargas inhalation, the Radio Bethlehem 2000 has reported.
The protesters raised Palestinian flags and banners, and chanted for national unity, the release of all detainees, and the liberation of Palestine.
Abu Rahma said that today’s protest also marks the 13th anniversary of the second Palestinian Intifada (The Al-Aqsa Intifada), adding that the Palestinian people will always defend Islamic and Christian holy sites in Palestine.
Also on Friday, soldiers attacked the weekly protests in the nearby villages of Ni’lin and Nabi Saleh.
Soldiers used teargas and chemical water that generate bad smell to attack residents and their supporters before leaving the village of Al Nabi Saleh.
Moreover, dozens of soldiers invaded Nabi Saleh and fired tear gas inside residents’ homes casing many women and children to suffer effects of tear gas inhalation as well.
Elsewhere at al Ma’sara village, near the West Bank city of Bethlehem, soldiers stopped the weekly anti wall protest at the entrance of the village.
Soldiers forced people back into the village using rifle butts and batons to bush people back, no injuries were reported.
Bethlehem, Friday evening [September 27, 2013] Palestinian medical sources have reported that several residents have been treated for the effects of teargas inhalation during clashes with Israeli soldiers in Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem.
Eyewitnesses said that a number of soldiers invaded the entrance of the camp, and harassed several residents, leading to clashes with dozens of local youths who hurled stones and empty bottles at them.
Soldiers fired gas bombs, and rubber-coated metal bullets.
They added that the army deliberately fired gas bombs at homes in the camp, and tried to break into “Lajee Center” (Refugee Center) but local residents and international peace activists managed to stop them.
Medical sources said that a local cameraman, working for the French Press Agency, was injured. He was identified as Mousa Sha’er.
In related news, at least five Palestinians, including a cameraman, have been injured by Israeli army fire east of Gaza city.
Medical sources in Gaza said that soldiers, stationed at the Nahal ‘Oz, military base, across the border fence with Gaza, fired sounds of live ammunition and gas bombs, at Palestinians following the Friday noon prayers.
Eyewitnesses said that a number of soldiers invaded the entrance of the camp, and harassed several residents, leading to clashes with dozens of local youths who hurled stones and empty bottles at them.
Soldiers fired gas bombs, and rubber-coated metal bullets.
They added that the army deliberately fired gas bombs at homes in the camp, and tried to break into “Lajee Center” (Refugee Center) but local residents and international peace activists managed to stop them.
Medical sources said that a local cameraman, working for the French Press Agency, was injured. He was identified as Mousa Sha’er.
In related news, at least five Palestinians, including a cameraman, have been injured by Israeli army fire east of Gaza city.
Medical sources in Gaza said that soldiers, stationed at the Nahal ‘Oz, military base, across the border fence with Gaza, fired sounds of live ammunition and gas bombs, at Palestinians following the Friday noon prayers.
Violent clashes broke out on Friday in different areas in al-Khalil southern occupied West Bank. Eyewitnesses said that clashes erupted in Shalala neighborhood, Bab al-Zawya, and Abu Hadid areas in downtown. Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at hundreds of Palestinians who were protesting the Israeli attacks against al-Aqsa Mosque.
Violent confrontations took place near Fawwar refugee camp, southern al-Khalil, when Israeli soldiers broke into a Palestinian citizen's house and stationed on its roof where they fired tear gas bombs at young men.
Several military checkpoints were erected throughout al-Khalil to deter popular protests, local sources said.
Palestinian youths threw two Molotov cocktails at an Israeli military tower in Beit Ummar in response to the Israeli live bullets fired at the Palestinian houses, activist Mohammed Awad told the PIC. He added that dozens of Israeli soldiers were deployed at the main entrance to the town.
On the other hand, PA security forces intensified their presence in different areas of al-Khalil where they prevented Palestinian youths from participating in the protests.
The PA forces brutally beaten the youths and prevented journalists from covering the clashes.
The sources added that the PA security forces were deployed over the past four days in an attempt to prevent the protests as part of the security coordination between the Palestinian and Israeli security forces.
Violent confrontations took place near Fawwar refugee camp, southern al-Khalil, when Israeli soldiers broke into a Palestinian citizen's house and stationed on its roof where they fired tear gas bombs at young men.
Several military checkpoints were erected throughout al-Khalil to deter popular protests, local sources said.
Palestinian youths threw two Molotov cocktails at an Israeli military tower in Beit Ummar in response to the Israeli live bullets fired at the Palestinian houses, activist Mohammed Awad told the PIC. He added that dozens of Israeli soldiers were deployed at the main entrance to the town.
On the other hand, PA security forces intensified their presence in different areas of al-Khalil where they prevented Palestinian youths from participating in the protests.
The PA forces brutally beaten the youths and prevented journalists from covering the clashes.
The sources added that the PA security forces were deployed over the past four days in an attempt to prevent the protests as part of the security coordination between the Palestinian and Israeli security forces.
27 sept 2013
Israeli occupation authorities targeted Friday, a number of Palestinian Journalists and photographers who were covering the demonstrations in various West Bank cities in protest of the Israeli attacks on al-Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli forces injured four journalists: Musa al-Shaer, France Press photographer, who was shot in Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem, photographer Hamzeh Burnat who was shot in Bil'in village and the two photographers Ibrahim al-Najjar and Mohammed al-Hajjar while they were reporting the events for Palestine News Network at the borders with the Gaza Strip.
Photographer Mussa al-Shaer told PNN that as he reached the main entrance of Aida camp, one of the soldiers deliberately fired live bullets toward him, injuring him in his hand and foot. Al-Shaer noted that he was wearing clothes to indicate he was a journalist and was holding his camera.
He said that a number of journalists who were also at the site transferred him to the Beit Jala Government Hospital for treatment.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) condemned the Israeli authorities' attacks on journalists, especially photographers, in the West Bank cities of Bethlehem and Ramallah and in Gaza Strip, stressing that such attacks come within Israel's systematic policy of targeting journalists.
The syndicate also condemned the attack on the journalist Mussa al-Shaer, Member of the administrative council of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and France Press photographer, stressing that Israel deliberately continues to target journalists and shoot them.
The syndicate denounced the Israeli use of live ammunition, noting that the journalist Hamzeh Burnat in Ramallah village of Bil'in was shot with live bullets while covering the peaceful weekly demonstrations.
The Syndicate condemns these attacks and calls on international institutions to protect journalists and to open an investigation into Israeli attacks on journalists and photographers who work on field.
The syndicate confirmed that it will file complaints and lawsuits to human rights and media organizations against Israeli occupation, calling on the International Federation of Journalists to pressure Israel to stop its repressive practices against media and journalists.
Israeli forces injured four journalists: Musa al-Shaer, France Press photographer, who was shot in Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem, photographer Hamzeh Burnat who was shot in Bil'in village and the two photographers Ibrahim al-Najjar and Mohammed al-Hajjar while they were reporting the events for Palestine News Network at the borders with the Gaza Strip.
Photographer Mussa al-Shaer told PNN that as he reached the main entrance of Aida camp, one of the soldiers deliberately fired live bullets toward him, injuring him in his hand and foot. Al-Shaer noted that he was wearing clothes to indicate he was a journalist and was holding his camera.
He said that a number of journalists who were also at the site transferred him to the Beit Jala Government Hospital for treatment.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) condemned the Israeli authorities' attacks on journalists, especially photographers, in the West Bank cities of Bethlehem and Ramallah and in Gaza Strip, stressing that such attacks come within Israel's systematic policy of targeting journalists.
The syndicate also condemned the attack on the journalist Mussa al-Shaer, Member of the administrative council of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and France Press photographer, stressing that Israel deliberately continues to target journalists and shoot them.
The syndicate denounced the Israeli use of live ammunition, noting that the journalist Hamzeh Burnat in Ramallah village of Bil'in was shot with live bullets while covering the peaceful weekly demonstrations.
The Syndicate condemns these attacks and calls on international institutions to protect journalists and to open an investigation into Israeli attacks on journalists and photographers who work on field.
The syndicate confirmed that it will file complaints and lawsuits to human rights and media organizations against Israeli occupation, calling on the International Federation of Journalists to pressure Israel to stop its repressive practices against media and journalists.
26 sept 2013
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) condemned in a press release Wednesday, the attacks by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on journalists, by beating them, targeting them with sound bombs, and spraying them with blue colored waste water, during their coverage of the protests against the ongoing incursions of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, at The Damascus Gate in Jerusalem Tuesday 24th September 2013.
Palestine Public TV cameraman Nader Baybars reported to MADA that no journalist was safe from the IOF attacks, and he stressed that the soldiers were brutal to the journalists, where they fired sound bombs and sprayed blue colored waste water at them.
"The demonstrators and journalists were sprayed with blue colored waste water, and when we ran away I fell on the stairs and was bruised, many of my colleagues' cameras were damaged due to the waste water, such as Pal Media photographer Isaq Kasba (he was sprayed heavily with water) and Alquds newspaper photographer Suliman Khadir." Baybars added, "My Palestine Public TV coworkers Khalil Khadir and Mohamed A'shoo both got injured by sound bombs in their hands and were treated on site. Ahmed Albediri the correspondent of BBC suffered severe suffocation that affected his vocal cords by two sound bombs which landed between his feet, and he was transferred to a hospital for treatment".
Diala Jwehan the correspondent of Alquds Net reported to MADA that the suppression of journalists was clear and direct while we were covering the protest and during the confrontations that followed and lasted for about 4 hours. Jwehan added: "We were pushed and beaten with batons, where we stood and formed a large group. Most of the journalists' cameras were damaged due to the water they sprayed on us".
MADA stresses the need to hold the occupation accountable for its continued violations against journalists, and its violation of all international conventions and laws that protect journalists during their coverage of the events. MADA calls on the international community to move quickly to protect Palestinian journalists.
Palestine Public TV cameraman Nader Baybars reported to MADA that no journalist was safe from the IOF attacks, and he stressed that the soldiers were brutal to the journalists, where they fired sound bombs and sprayed blue colored waste water at them.
"The demonstrators and journalists were sprayed with blue colored waste water, and when we ran away I fell on the stairs and was bruised, many of my colleagues' cameras were damaged due to the waste water, such as Pal Media photographer Isaq Kasba (he was sprayed heavily with water) and Alquds newspaper photographer Suliman Khadir." Baybars added, "My Palestine Public TV coworkers Khalil Khadir and Mohamed A'shoo both got injured by sound bombs in their hands and were treated on site. Ahmed Albediri the correspondent of BBC suffered severe suffocation that affected his vocal cords by two sound bombs which landed between his feet, and he was transferred to a hospital for treatment".
Diala Jwehan the correspondent of Alquds Net reported to MADA that the suppression of journalists was clear and direct while we were covering the protest and during the confrontations that followed and lasted for about 4 hours. Jwehan added: "We were pushed and beaten with batons, where we stood and formed a large group. Most of the journalists' cameras were damaged due to the water they sprayed on us".
MADA stresses the need to hold the occupation accountable for its continued violations against journalists, and its violation of all international conventions and laws that protect journalists during their coverage of the events. MADA calls on the international community to move quickly to protect Palestinian journalists.
25 sept 2013
Deputy Minister of Information Dr. Mahmoud Khalefa received, in his office in Ramallah Tuesday, the US Press and Cultural Consul Mr. Richard Buanjun, US Press Attaché and Consulate Spokesperson Leslie Ordeman and the US Consulate Senior Information Specialist Mr. Naser Ideis.
Mr. Puanjun, who took office around a month ago, was briefed on the media situation and difficulties encountered by Palestinian journalists in their work, including the restrictions on their movement. The meeting also included discussing joint cooperation aspects for media development and capacity building in different areas including specialized media, investment in the Palestinian media skills and exchange of expertise.
The meeting also discussed the Israeli obstacles and violations that Palestinian journalists suffer, including restrictions on the freedom of movement across the State of Palestine territory as caused by the Israeli occupation and roadblocks, in addition to discussing the entry of professional equipment for the journalists' work.
Mr. Buanjun expressed readiness to cooperate with the Ministry of Information and to provide assistance in the aforementioned and possible areas. He further commended the Ministry for the efforts exerted in seeking to expand and have new horizons for cooperation in training the Palestinian media professionals, a matter that he considered as an expression of persistence and vision for the development of media in Palestine in spite of the difficult conditions prevailing in Palestine.
On his part, Mr. Maher Awawdeh, Director General of External Media at the Ministry of Information, stressed the need for providing the needed training and infrastructure to have a specialized Palestinian journalism and to facilitate media work. Mr. Awawdeh further expressed readiness to receive media delegations and media and academic experts in visits and expertise exchange.
Mr. Puanjun, who took office around a month ago, was briefed on the media situation and difficulties encountered by Palestinian journalists in their work, including the restrictions on their movement. The meeting also included discussing joint cooperation aspects for media development and capacity building in different areas including specialized media, investment in the Palestinian media skills and exchange of expertise.
The meeting also discussed the Israeli obstacles and violations that Palestinian journalists suffer, including restrictions on the freedom of movement across the State of Palestine territory as caused by the Israeli occupation and roadblocks, in addition to discussing the entry of professional equipment for the journalists' work.
Mr. Buanjun expressed readiness to cooperate with the Ministry of Information and to provide assistance in the aforementioned and possible areas. He further commended the Ministry for the efforts exerted in seeking to expand and have new horizons for cooperation in training the Palestinian media professionals, a matter that he considered as an expression of persistence and vision for the development of media in Palestine in spite of the difficult conditions prevailing in Palestine.
On his part, Mr. Maher Awawdeh, Director General of External Media at the Ministry of Information, stressed the need for providing the needed training and infrastructure to have a specialized Palestinian journalism and to facilitate media work. Mr. Awawdeh further expressed readiness to receive media delegations and media and academic experts in visits and expertise exchange.
24 sept 2013
The Palestinian authority (PA) security forces kidnapped four Palestinian citizens and summoned three others for interrogation in the West Bank on charges of their affiliation with the Hamas Movement. In Qalqiliya, the PA preventive security forces launched a security campaign in Saniriya town near the place where the Beit Amin operation happened last Friday.
Among the detainees, Jamil Omar and Alaa Sadeq from Saniriya town, and a teacher named Mamdouh Barri from Immatin town. All of three men had been exposed to illegal arrests by the PA security apparatuses several times.
In Nablus, the preventive security forces kidnapped Ghanem Sawalmeh, a senior Hamas figure, from outside a mosque in Balata refugee camp. He was an ex-detainee in PA and Israeli jails.
For its part, the PA intelligence apparatus in Tulkarem summoned a journalist named Yazeed Khader for the second time in a week, as well as ex-detainee Othman Asi from Qarawat Bani Hassan village in Salfit.
In Ramallah, another journalist named Mohamed Al-Qiq was also summoned for interrogation by the preventive security for the second time in a month.
Among the detainees, Jamil Omar and Alaa Sadeq from Saniriya town, and a teacher named Mamdouh Barri from Immatin town. All of three men had been exposed to illegal arrests by the PA security apparatuses several times.
In Nablus, the preventive security forces kidnapped Ghanem Sawalmeh, a senior Hamas figure, from outside a mosque in Balata refugee camp. He was an ex-detainee in PA and Israeli jails.
For its part, the PA intelligence apparatus in Tulkarem summoned a journalist named Yazeed Khader for the second time in a week, as well as ex-detainee Othman Asi from Qarawat Bani Hassan village in Salfit.
In Ramallah, another journalist named Mohamed Al-Qiq was also summoned for interrogation by the preventive security for the second time in a month.
Local sources in occupied al-Quds told PNN reporter that Israeli police severely beat five Palestinians in Jabl al-Mukabr neighborhood in the Old City of al-Quds Monday evening.
Popular committees in al-Quds have called on Palestinians to organize a demonstration against a proposed march, in which thousands of Jewish settlers would fill the streets of al-Quds for the current Jewish holidays.
Israeli authorities have closed the Old City and deployed forces in the streets and also closed the gates of Al-Aqsa mosque since yesterday in preperations for the march.
Israeli Police Arrest Journalist
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said in a press release Tuesday that Israeli police arrested at dawn, the journalist Mahmoud Abu Atta, media coordinator at the Al-Aqsa Foundation and took him to al-Moskobiyya interrogation center.
Abu Atta was arrested inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque and will be under questioning in the upcoming hours, the statment said.
The foundation condemned the arrest of Mahmoud Abu Atta and considered it a punishment measure by Israeli police aimed at silencing the reality of what is happening at the mosque.
It also added that police often target journalists in al-Quds and in al-Aqsa mosque, to hide the truth behind the violations committed by police against the Palestinians and their holy places.
Popular committees in al-Quds have called on Palestinians to organize a demonstration against a proposed march, in which thousands of Jewish settlers would fill the streets of al-Quds for the current Jewish holidays.
Israeli authorities have closed the Old City and deployed forces in the streets and also closed the gates of Al-Aqsa mosque since yesterday in preperations for the march.
Israeli Police Arrest Journalist
Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage said in a press release Tuesday that Israeli police arrested at dawn, the journalist Mahmoud Abu Atta, media coordinator at the Al-Aqsa Foundation and took him to al-Moskobiyya interrogation center.
Abu Atta was arrested inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque and will be under questioning in the upcoming hours, the statment said.
The foundation condemned the arrest of Mahmoud Abu Atta and considered it a punishment measure by Israeli police aimed at silencing the reality of what is happening at the mosque.
It also added that police often target journalists in al-Quds and in al-Aqsa mosque, to hide the truth behind the violations committed by police against the Palestinians and their holy places.