A+ A-

Reporters Without Borders condemns Israel for attacking press freedom

PARIS, July 8 (KUNA) -- International press freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders (RWB) on Tuesday condemned Israeli security forces for disregarding freedom of information and for attacking media and journalists working in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Since the latest upsurge in violence, after apparent sectarian killings of three young Israelis and a Palestinian youth, Israeli security forces have been raiding many areas and have arrested 600 Palestinians on vague suspicions of belonging to the Hamas faction.
"Many human rights abuses are taking place daily and freedom of information is being disregarded," RWB said in a statement.
The press organisation accused Israeli authorities of "flouting basic rights" including access to information.
"Reporters Without Borders condemns these attacks on information freedom. Many journalists have been targeted by the Israeli army. Others have been arrested arbitrarily. And security forces have been conducting raids on media offices," the statement said.
"RWB urges the Israeli military to allow news professionals, whether Palestinian or foreign, to carry out their work freely and safely," it added.
RWB highlighted research showing the daunting situation for reporters working in Occupied Territories, facing pressure from several sides.
"The strongest pressure comes from Israel and its army, which doesn't hesitate to arrest, even to kill, news professionals," the organisation said. (end) jk.mt