RAMALLAH, May 3, 2017 (WAFA) – A peaceful rally organized on Wednesday by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) marking Press Freedom Day outside Ofer military camp and prison, bordering Ramallah, in solidarity with hunger striking Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails was quickly quelled by Israeli forces.

The minute the journalists started to gather at the site, Israeli soldiers at the camp fired rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas canisters towards them, according to WAFA staff present at the rally.

While no one was hurt, the journalists were not allowed to stay there much longer after soldiers threatened to use live fire against them if they do not leave the area. Two journalists were also briefly detained.

PJS head, Nasser Abu Baker, said while the journalists had wanted to peacefully express solidarity with the striking prisoners on Press Freedom Day, Israel denied them this basic right when it opened fire at them with the intention to force them to leave the area.

“While the world celebrates Press Freedom Day, Israel tries to silence the Palestinian journalists because they expose the crimes of the occupation and the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he said, adding that Israel is the only country that detains journalists without charge or trial.

There are more than 20 Palestinian journalists in Israeli custody, most held without charge or trial and some of them are on hunger strike.

M.N./M.K.