GENEVA, September 12, 2024 (WAFA) — United Nations experts have condemned recent incidents of violence, harassment, and intimidation against journalists in the occupied West Bank, which have intensified amid the ongoing Israeli military attacks in the region.

Experts Erin Khan, the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, issued a statement condemning these actions as illegal attempts by the Israeli military to obstruct independent reporting on potential war crimes.

The experts highlighted at least three incidents in September, specifically in Jenin and Tulkarm, where Israeli forces fired live ammunition at journalists and their vehicles while they were covering military operations and civilian casualties. At least four journalists were injured in these incidents, despite many wearing clearly marked press vests.

Since August 27, journalists, including a team from Al Jazeera, have been prevented from working and forced to leave under threat from the Israeli military. In some cases, soldiers inspected their personal phones and compelled them to delete material. One journalist was reportedly detained and interrogated arbitrarily, while others have been pursued by bulldozers operated by Israeli forces.

The experts expressed serious concerns about the punitive nature of these detentions, noting reports of torture, ill-treatment, and violations of due process. 

They emphasized that such actions undermine the right of journalists to report on the plight of the Palestinian people, including forced displacement and ongoing repression, in light of the International Court of Justice's recent ruling declaring the occupation illegal.

M.N