Palestinian journalists face detention and harsh conditions in Israeli prisons

The Palestinian Prisoners Club reported that approximately 40 journalists, including five women, are currently detained in Israeli prisons. This figure follows the recent arrest of photojournalist Mohamed Awad in Beitunia, near Ramallah.

Since October 2023, more than 250 journalists have been arrested or detained. While 210 have been released, 40 remain in custody. Of those currently detained, 19 are held under administrative detention, a practice that allows for indefinite imprisonment without formal charges or trials based on secret files.

The organization highlighted that journalists face harsh conditions, including physical abuse, medical neglect, starvation, and torture. Additionally, the club noted that journalists are being targeted for “incitement” related to their social media activity, which they argue is a method of censorship and a restriction on freedom of expression.