Jerusalem: The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate has raised concerns over the increasing targeting of journalists by Israeli occupation forces in occupied Jerusalem. This escalation, particularly noticeable ahead of and during the holy month of Ramadan, is perceived as an effort to obscure the truth and dominate the media narrative in the holy city.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the syndicate's freedoms committee released a report documenting a systematic pattern of violations during January and February 2026. These include arrests, interrogations, bans from Al-Aqsa Mosque, restrictions on media coverage, assaults on journalists performing their duties, and the prohibition of Jerusalem-based news websites.
The report highlights that Israeli authorities have intensified their policy of banning journalists from Al-Aqsa Mosque as a means to stifle media coverage. Several journalists, including Mohammed Al-Sadiq and Mohammed Abu Sneineh, have been issued expulsion orders, while journalist Maysaa Abu Ghazaleh has been banned for six months.
Additionally, the expulsion orders targeted journalists detained or interrogated within Al-Aqsa Mosque's courtyards, such as Ibrahim Al-Sanjalawi and Ahmad Jalajel. Notably, collective expulsion orders were executed on February 27 against numerous journalists, aiming to eliminate media presence around the mosque during Ramadan.
In a related context, the syndicate reported the detention of photojournalist Nisreen Salem, who faced strict conditions for her release. These included financial penalties, high bail, house arrest, a ban on social media, and exclusion from Al-Aqsa Mosque. Journalist Nawal Hijazi also faced detention near Shuafat Refugee Camp before being released on bail.
Violations further extended to obstructing journalists from covering on-ground events. Journalists were prevented from working at Qalandia Checkpoint and faced sound bombs and tear gas while reporting on raids in Kafr Aqab. Some were even forced at gunpoint to vacate coverage sites in specific areas.