RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) says eight Palestinian journalists were killed and hundreds of alleged violations against media workers were documented across the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip during the first six months of 2026.
Presenting the report at a news conference in Ramallah on Monday, Mohammed al-Lahham, head of the syndicate’s Freedoms Committee, said the organization recorded 467 alleged violations involving journalists and media personnel between January and June.
According to the report, the most common incidents involved restrictions on news coverage and the detention of media crews, accounting for 192 cases. The syndicate alleged that these actions reflected a broader pattern of limiting press activity in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The report also documented 27 arrests of journalists, 29 incidents involving live fire, 78 cases involving tear gas or stun grenades, 14 physical assaults, two gunshot injuries, and 16 threats involving firearms. It further alleged that journalists were prevented from accessing the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on 19 occasions, while media equipment was confiscated or damaged in 22 cases.
The syndicate said seven homes or media offices were raided, three media organizations were closed and five websites were blocked during the reporting period.
According to the PJS, the latest figures bring the total number of Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023 to 264. The organization also claimed that more than 4,100 violations against journalists have been documented during the same period, including arrests, damage to media institutions and the destruction of journalists’ homes.
PJS President Nasser Abu Bakr said the organization is continuing legal efforts through international institutions, including submissions to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and cooperation with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). He also said a French journalists’ union intends to pursue legal action in French courts over alleged crimes against media workers.
The Israeli government had not immediately responded to the report’s latest allegations. Israel has previously stated that it does not intentionally target journalists and has said military operations are directed at armed groups operating in conflict areas.
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