Israel: Targeting Truth-Telling, Targeting Journalism

Army Attacks Journalists Near Jerusalem

by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Palestinian medical sources have reported that five journalists have been injured on Wednesday [July 14 2013] after being violently attacked by Israeli soldiers at the Qalandia terminal, north of occupied East Jerusalem.

The journalists were holding a protest at the terminal demanding to be allowed into Jerusalem, as part of their internationally guaranteed right to Freedom of Movement.

The activity is part of an international campaign launched in various capitals of the world in solidarity with Palestinian journalists.

Medical sources said that the five wounded journalists have been identified Nida’ Younis, Aseel Al-A’raj, Na’ela Khalil, Mofeed Abu Hasna, and Omar Abdul-Razeq.

Eyewitnesses said that, as soon as the army saw the journalists gathering in the area, the soldiers threw dozens of gas bombs at them, causing several reporters to suffocate due to the effects of teargas inhalation.

The reporters left the area shortly, and when they headed back to the terminal, the soldiers told them that they have clear orders not to allow them through, and to use force.

Head of the Palestinian Journalist's Syndicate, Abdel Nasser Najjar, stated that the nonviolent protest is part of an international activity demanding Freedom of Movement to Palestinian reporters, as a basic right guaranteed by International Law, a right denied by Israel for more than 50 years.

“Palestinian journalists have been denied their rights since before Israel occupied the East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in 1967”, Najjar said, “We came here today to demand our rights, this is an Arab and International campaign”.