Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemns attacks on journalists in West Bank

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate on Tuesday condemned the escalating attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against journalists in the northern West Bank.

In a statement, the syndicate said several journalists had recently been targeted while carrying out their work, describing the incidents as part of what it called a systematic policy against journalists and media organizations.

According to the syndicate, Agence France-Presse (AFP) photographer Jaafar Ishtayeh was severely beaten by settlers near the town of Aqraba, southeast of Nablus, while covering attacks on Palestinian olive harvesters.

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The syndicate said Ishtayeh was taken to hospital in serious condition following the assault and that his journalistic equipment was damaged and confiscated.

It also said journalists Mohammed Atiq and Mohammed Abed were detained by Israeli forces while covering preparations to uproot olive trees in Anza, south of Jenin.

According to the statement, the two journalists were taken to an unknown location along with a group of Palestinian olive harvesters.

The syndicate expressed concern over what it described as an escalation in attacks on journalists and called on international organizations working to protect journalists and press freedom to condemn the actions and provide urgent protection for journalists working on the ground.

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