Palestinian Journalists Bloc Condemns Detention of Al Jazeera Correspondent, Demands International Action to Free Imprisoned Journalists

The Palestinian Journalists Bloc said that the Israeli occupation forces' detention of Al Jazeera correspondent Muntaser Nasser, after raiding his home in the town of Dura, south of Hebron, during the night hours, represents a new assault on Palestinian journalists and a violation of media freedom.

In a press statement, the bloc affirmed that the continued detention, pursuit and assault of journalists is part of attempts to restrict press work, obscure the truth and prevent the reporting of what is happening on Palestinian land.

It noted that the occupation authorities continue to hold around 40 Palestinian journalists from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, amid fears over their humanitarian and health conditions and the violations they face inside prisons.

It called on the International Federation of Journalists to act urgently and press for the release of the detained journalists unconditionally, and to organize field visits to examine their conditions inside occupation prisons.

The bloc urged Palestinian, Arab and international media outlets to launch broad media campaigns to highlight the issue of imprisoned journalists, expose the violations they are subjected to, and keep their cause present at both the media and international rights levels.

It stressed that the detention of journalists will not obscure the truth, calling for international solidarity to be translated into practical steps to protect them, guarantee their freedom and hold those responsible for violations against them accountable.