Israel’s war on press freedoms

The Freedoms Committee of the Palestinian Journalist’s Syndicate documented 122 crimes by the Israeli occupation against Palestinian journalists and media institutions throughout February 2026.

Relentless attacks on journalists

According to the Committee, media crews are “systematically targeted” by the Zionist regime, which, as they noted:

prevents field coverage, and fires live ammunition as well as tear gas and sound grenades towards them.

Arrests, court orders, and various punitive measures continue to be used to obstruct the truth and restrict media freedoms.

There are 52 documented instances showing journalists being prevented from covering stories or detained, particularly in the context of military raids or settler attacks. In February alone, 17 cases were recorded showing journalists being arbitrarily banned from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex. This is part of a broader policy to restrict media coverage in Jerusalem and at Al-Aqsa.

The report also details 8 incidents where tear gas and sound grenades were fired towards journalists. There were also six cases of direct gunfire at press crews during field coverage.

The Freedoms Committee claims arbitrary legal procedures are being used as a tool to pressure journalists and restrict their work. It also documented the arrest of seven journalists, the court appearances of six, and summons and interrogation of six others.

Blockading truth

Since the start of the month, Israeli occupation forces have raided the homes of five journalists and blocked five more online news sites.

There were also four cases of journalistic equipment being confiscated or destroyed, three instances of physical assault, two journalists fined, and one reportedly banned from travel.

The work of journalists is essential for pulling back the curtain on Israeli crimes, which would otherwise remain out of public view.

In the occupied Palestinian territory, “Israel” intentionally targets journalists, in an attempt to prevent the documentation of its many atrocities to the world, so its crimes of genocide, forced displacement and ethnic cleansing may continue unabated, without any accountability. These violations are occurring amid the continued policies of restriction and direct targeting of journalistic work.

Targeting journalists is a violation of international humanitarian law, and international conventions that guarantee freedom of journalistic work and protection of journalists when working.

According to the Freedoms Committee, these documented figures:

Reflect a dangerous escalation in the pace of violations against Palestinian journalists.

As the situation intensifies, the international community must take decisive action to protect Palestinian journalists. Their lives are no less valuable than those of their counterparts in London or Washington. Words only affect change when backed by action — the time to act is now.

Featured image via the Canary