135 Israeli violations against Palestinian press freedom

A Palestinian human rights report said that Israeli violations against journalists working in the occupied Palestinian territory have escalated, documenting 135 Israeli violations during the last 15 months against press freedom.

On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, which is celebrated on 3 May, the Palestinian center for Human Rights (PCHR) issued a report documenting 135 Israeli violations during the last 15 months against press freedom in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The Israeli documented violations include assaults, detention, verbal abuses, restriction of movement, and ill-treatment.

According to the report, the violations also include confiscation of journalists' equipment, storming their homes, attacking their vehicles, and banning their travel.

The report said that 31 journalists were injured by Israeli gunfire, while 22 others were brutally attacked by Israeli forces during the past 15 months.

46 journalists were arrested including 15 journalists while covering events, the report added, pointing out that Israeli forces have confiscated press equipment on 9 occasions and raided 4 homes belonging to journalists.

1,641 Israeli attacks against press freedom in Palestine were documented since the outbreak of the second Intifada (Uprising) in 2000 till March 2014, the report said.

15 journalists were martyred by Israeli fire since the second Intifada, according to the human rights center.

World Press Freedom Day came while Palestinian journalists are still subjected to Israeli daily violations and crimes.