RAMALLAH, March 17, 2026 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said that the escalating targeting of journalists by Israeli occupation forces in occupied Jerusalem, ahead of and during the holy month of Ramadan, aims to obscure the truth and monopolize the media narrative in the holy city.
In a report issued by its freedoms committee, the syndicate said documented data indicate a systematic pattern of violations during January and February 2026, including arrests, interrogations, bans from Al-Aqsa Mosque, prevention of media coverage, assaults on journalists while carrying out their work, and the banning of Jerusalem-based news websites.
It noted that Israeli authorities have intensified the use of the policy of banning journalists from Al-Aqsa Mosque as a tool to silence media coverage, issuing expulsion orders against several journalists, including Mohammed Al-Sadiq and Mohammed Abu Sneineh, while journalist Maysaa Abu Ghazaleh was banned for six months.
The syndicate added that the expulsion orders also targeted journalists who were detained or interrogated inside the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, including Ibrahim Al-Sanjalawi and Ahmad Jalajel. Collective expulsion orders were also issued on February 27 against a number of journalists in a step aimed at clearing the surroundings of the mosque of media coverage during Ramadan.
In the same context, the syndicate documented the detention of photojournalist Nisreen Salem and the imposition of strict conditions for her release, including financial fines, a high bail, house arrest, a ban on using social media, and a ban from Al-Aqsa Mosque. Journalist Nawal Hijazi was also detained near Shuafat Refugee Camp before being released on bail.
The violations also included preventing journalists from covering events on the ground. Journalists were barred from working at Qalandia Checkpoint, while several were subjected to sound bombs and tear gas while covering raids in Kafr Aqab. Others were forced at gunpoint to leave coverage locations in certain areas.
M.N
