Journalists Syndicate: The occupation escalates its targeting of journalists in Jerusalem to suppress the truth

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, based in Ramallah, stated that the escalating targeting of journalists by Israeli occupation forces in Jerusalem before and during Ramadan aims to obscure the truth and monopolize the media narrative in the city.

In a report issued by its Committee for Freedoms, the syndicate explained that documented violations during January and February 2026 included arrests, interrogations, expulsions from Al-Aqsa Mosque, prevention of press coverage, assaults on journalists while on duty, and the blocking of Jerusalem-based media outlets.

The report indicated that the occupation authorities intensified their use of the policy of barring journalists from Al-Aqsa Mosque to limit media coverage, issuing expulsion orders against a number of journalists, including Muhammad al-Sadiq and Muhammad Abu Suneina, while journalist Maysa Abu Ghazaleh was expelled for six months.

The measures also included journalists who were arrested or interrogated within the Al-Aqsa compound, such as Ibrahim al-Sinjlawi and Ahmed Jalajel, in addition to mass expulsion orders issued on February 27, aimed at reducing the media presence around the mosque during Ramadan. In this context, the union documented the arrest of photojournalist Nisreen Salem and the imposition of strict conditions for her release, including hefty fines, high bail, house arrest, a ban on using social media, and a ban on entering Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Journalist Nawal Hijazi was also arrested near the Shuafat refugee camp before being released on bail.

The union noted that journalists were prevented from conducting field coverage in several locations, including the Qalandiya checkpoint, and were subjected to stun grenades and tear gas while covering events in Kafr Aqab. Some were forced at gunpoint to leave their reporting locations.

The union also pointed out that the occupation authorities banned five Jerusalem-based news websites: “Midan Al-Quds,” “Al-Asima,” “Al-Miraj,” “Quds Plus,” and “Al-Bawsala,” under the pretext of “supporting terrorism,” in a move it said aimed to restrict the digital media landscape in the city. The union stressed that these measures reflect a systematic policy to reduce the Palestinian media presence, especially in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan, and to prevent the transmission of what is happening on the ground, stressing that these practices represent a serious violation of the freedom of journalistic work, and calling for urgent international action to protect journalists.