Palestine: CFWIJ condemns the deliberate attack against journalists

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May 10, 2021, Jerusalem - The Israeli forces deliberately targeted Palestinian journalists who cover attacks and violations against Jerusalem and worshipers in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque to cover the latest developments in Palestine. At least 10 journalists, two of whom were women, were injured during the incidents. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) is utterly dismayed by the deliberate and vicious attacks against journalists. We demand the Israel state to end the violence towards Palestinians.  

During the past few days, many violations were committed against the press crews and prevented them from covering the occupied city of Jerusalem and the Sheikh Jarrah area. Today, at least 10 journalists, two of whom were women, suffered from tear gas while covering the conflicts. Ultra-Palestine reporter Liwa Abu Armila suffered from tear gas while following the raids. Journalist Fatima Al-Bakri was also physically assaulted by the Israeli forces. 

The Newpress took the official Twitter account to post the physical assault against journalist Fatima. The video shows that the journalist was surrounded by security forces and beaten. Later, a man appeared in the scene and took her away from the crowd.

On May 8, the Israeli forces also attacked journalists by spraying with wastewater to damage the journalists’ equipment, and reporter Maysa Abu Ghazaleh was among them. During the last weekend, at least six journalists also prevented from completing their coverage of the confrontations that took place between occupying forces and Palestinian youths in Sheikh Jarrah in Jerusalem. The forces attempted to keep the journalists away from the scene, and several settlers shone laser light on them to intimidate during their coverage. 

Tensions yet again rise between Palestine and Israel on the annual of Jerusalem Day. The Israeli forces stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the morning, firing rubber-coated bullets, tear gas, and sound bombs at Palestinians. According to the Red Cross, at least 305 people were wounded so far, during the Israeli raid and the surrounding areas in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the vicious attacks against Palestinians and journalists. We closely monitor the developments in East Jerusalem and are deeply concerned about the safety of the journalists. We applaud the brave journalists who are covering the incidents in the field despite the large scale of the Israeli attacks. However, we demand the Israel state to end these devastating attacks against Palestinians. Journalists must report in a free and safe environment and the security forces must respond to provide it to them.